Topic 5- Weather and Climate

Suggested Time: 16 days

Objectives

Students will:

• create and explain a diagram of the water cycle;

• explain the concepts of evaporation and condensation in relation to the water cycle; and use their knowledge to identify the relationships among the cycling of water, cloud formation, precipitation, wind, weather, and climate.

• define the terms associated with weather data collection;

• explain the concept of global wind patterns;

• identify the global winds;

• label wind patterns on a global map; and use their knowledge of global patterns and convection to identify the relationships among wind and water movement and weather.

• associate weather with terms such as rain, sunshine, temperature, snow, storm, air pressure, humidity, and precipitation; and describe the climate in the region where they live and compare it with at least one other region with a different climate.

• discuss Florida’s history of natural disasters;

• identify factors that make Florida susceptible to a variety of natural disasters;

• describe the effect that hurricanes and tropical storms have on Florida’s economy;

• identify the effects of storm surges and flooding on property and beaches in Florida;

• identify the dangers and effects of sinkholes in Florida;

• explain how Florida droughts lead to water restriction and how wildfires damage property; and apply their knowledge to discuss the actions Floridians have taken to better prepare themselves and their property against natural disasters.

• identify methods to protect human skin from sun damage;

• identify the warning signs and alerts for hazardous weather;

• describe steps to take to protect themselves during severe storms and flooding; and describe the safest locations during hazardous weather.