Unit 3: Weather and Climate

Performance Expectations:

• MS-ESS2-4: Develop a model to describe the cycling of water through Earth’s systems driven by energy from the sun and the force of gravity.

• MS-ESS2-5: Collect data to provide evidence for how the motions and complex interactions of air masses results in changes in weather conditions.

• MS-ESS2-6: Develop and use a model to describe how unequal heating and rotation of the Earth cause patterns of atmospheric and oceanic circulation that determine regional climates.

• MS-ESS3-5: Ask questions to clarify evidence of the factors that have caused the rise in global temperatures over the past century.

Essential Questions:

• How does water cycle through Earth’s systems?

• How do the motions and interactions of air masses affect changes in weather conditions?

• How are regional climates determined due to patterns of atmospheric and oceanic circulation which are caused by the unequal heating and rotation of the Earth?

Disciplinary Core Ideas, Science & Engineering Practices, Crosscutting Concepts, Supporting Standards:

• MS-ESS2-4

• MS-ESS2-5

• MS-ESS2-6

• MS-ESS3-5

Concepts & Skills:

• The students will be able to...

  • Describe the difference between weather and climate

  • Identify and describe the processes within the water cycle with an emphasis on energy and gravity.

  • Create a model of the water cycle.

  • Explain how air masses form and affect local weather patterns.

  • Model how different Earth surfaces heat and cool unevenly.

  • Explain how ocean currents circulate via convection and consequently affect the temperature and moisture content of the air masses above them.

  • Understand and explain the impact of an region's latitude in relation to it's climate.

  • Describe global wind patterns and prevailing winds.

  • Understand and explain how different human activities affect global climate.