Biome Climatograms

In this lesson, students will develop a climate diagram (climatogram) from precipitation and temperature datasets. The resulting diagram will be analyzed and compared to a biome map of North America. This activity builds upon skills developed in the "Global Indicators" activity by introducing students to the use of spreadsheet formulas.

Step 2: Location Selection - Choose a city in the United States that you would like to make a climatogram for. Go to https://www.usclimatedata.com/ to find average monthly precipitation and temperature data for your city.

• The usclimatedata.com datasets include the average “high” and “low” temperature for each month which will have to be combined using the spreadsheet to determine the average monthly temperature.

• The usclimatedata.com datasets may also include snowfall for your city, so a spreadsheet formula will be used to convert snowfall amounts to “rainfall."

The map below from the Environmental Protection Agency will be needed to complete the submission form in "Step 4" The map can be enlarged by clicking on the "Pop-Out" button in the upper, right-hand corner of the map. If you prefer, here is the map's link: original EPA Level I Ecoregions map (select "Level I Ecoregions" then either download the pdf or use the map on the page).

Step 4: Spreadsheet/Climatogram Submission - Use the "Submission Link" beneath the information for your instructor/class/school (below) to open the submission form for this activity. Appropriately respond to all prompts before using the form to submit your completed spreadsheet/climatogram. Be sure to "share" the spreadsheet/climatogram with your instructor!