SPI’s: Math: 6.4.7

In this lesson we will learn some of the factors that affect

climate.

You will be able to describe two ways in which bodies of

water can affect climate, using the words “ land breeze”, “sea breeze”, and “ocean currents”.

Climate Ocean current El Nino

Science Journals

Climate: normal pattern of weather in an area over many years.

Ocean current: moving stream of water created by winds pushing against the ocean’s surface.

El Nino: periodic change in direction of warm currents in the Pacific Ocean.

Remember, when we read we use fluency and

expression. We also pay attention to punctuation.

Name Earth’s 3 major climate zones.

In temperate zones, when do the sun’s rays strike Earth at more direct angles? Summer? Winter? Explain

The summer months are warm in temperate zones. This means the sun’s rays must be striking at more direct angles during the

summer months.

What is the effect of the sun’s rays striking an area

at angles less than 90 degrees?

Cooler Temperatures!!!

Take a look at the pictures and captions on P.248. See if you can find out

why land breezes occur at night?

At night, land cools down faster than water. The cool

air over the land moves out over the water as the

warm air over the sea rises.

Why are some places rainier than others?

Let’s RTFO (Read to Find out)

on P. 249.

Describe the difference in precipitation (rain and

snow) on the leeward side and windward side of a

mountain.

Windward side = Very wetLeeward side = Very dry

To describe two ways in which bodies of water can affect

climate, using the words “ land breeze”, “sea breeze”, and

“ocean currents”.

Why do more rain and snow fall at the top of a mountain than at its base?

The air is cooler at the top of a mountain. The air needs to be cool to form clouds that drop precipitation. (Rain or snow)

So is the air warmer or cooler at the base of a

mountain?

Warmer!!!

Ocean currents move water and

energy from place to place.

How many of you have ever been to the lake and noticed the water moving?

That movement is similar to an ocean current.

“Wind pushing against the ocean’s surface causes

moving streams of water called ocean currents.”

Let’s read about ocean currents on P. 250

Is it hot or cold near the equator?

Hot!!!Hot!!!Hot!!!

Name some factors that affect climate.

MountainsBodies of waterEarth’s overall shape and tilt

What are ocean currents, and what

sets them in motion?

Ocean currents are moving streams of water caused by winds blowing on

the ocean’s surface.

Describe two ways in which bodies of water can affect climate. Use

these words in your answer: land breeze, sea

breeze, and ocean currents.

Study the illustration on PP. 246 and 247.What kind of climate do you think Miami, FL has?

Explain.

What factors help to account for the differences among

tropical, temperate, and polar climates?

Next lesson…

TWISTERS!!!