Weather vs. Climate
What is the main difference between weather and climate?
Weather is short-term conditions; climate is long-term averages.
What is the jet stream?
A fast-moving current of air high in the atmosphere.
What is the main source of energy driving Earth’s weather?
The Sun.
What is an experiment?
A test where variables are changed to observe effects.
What is the first step in the scientific method?
Define a problem or ask a question.
Give one example of weather and one of climate.
Weather: today is rainy. Climate: Florida summers are hot and humid.
How does the Gulf Stream affect temperatures in Europe?
It warms them.
Why does land heat up faster than water?
Land absorbs heat quickly; water heats and cools more slowly.
What is a systematic observation?
Careful watching and recording without manipulating variables.
What is a variable?
A factor that can change in an experiment.
Which changes more quickly, weather or climate?
Weather.
Which global pattern moves warm water across the Pacific and impacts rainfall in the Americas?
El Niño.
How do differences in air temperature cause wind?
Warm air rises, cool air sinks, creating movement.
Which investigation would you use if you cannot control variables?
Observations or modeling.
How can scientists display data to make it easier to understand?
With charts, tables, and graphs.
Why do scientists use 30-year averages when describing climate?
To smooth out short-term variations.
How do ocean currents influence coastal climates compared to inland areas?
They make coasts milder (cooler summers, warmer winters).
Why does the equator receive more direct sunlight than the poles?
Because of Earth’s tilt and curvature.
What is one benefit of an experiment compared to an observation?
You can identify cause and effect.
Why is it important to repeat an experiment?
To check accuracy and reliability.
How can climate influence the types of plants and animals in a region?
It determines what organisms can survive long-term conditions.
Explain how the jet stream can influence drought or flooding.
It directs storm systems and rainfall patterns.
Explain how uneven heating of Earth’s surface leads to global wind belts.
Unequal heating creates pressure differences, driving winds worldwide.
What is one limitation of experiments compared to other investigations?
Some conditions can’t be tested safely or ethically.
Give an example of how a 6th grader might define a problem, collect data, and defend a conclusion.
Testing soil types for best plant growth, charting results, and explaining which soil worked best and why.