This video discusses the differences between climate and weather by defining and presenting examples of each. When presenting examples of weather, the video focuses on severe events and how meteorologists predict and study the weather using measurement, satellites, and radar. The climate focus is primarily on an overview of climate zones.
Video length: 3:22 min.
Learn more about Teaching Climate Literacy and Energy Awareness»Grade Level
Climate Literacy
This Video builds on the following concepts of Climate Literacy.
Click a topic below for supporting information, teaching ideas, and sample activities.
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Teaching Tips
- This contains very basic information. It could be a good introduction for middle school students or a good refresher for 9th graders who need clarification on the definitions of weather and climate.
About the Content
- While weather and climate are connected, they are driven by different processes and are studied using different strategies.
- Climate is the average weather conditions over a long period of time. There are six major climate zones across the globe. Climate is a factor that helps people determine where to live.
- Weather is the day-to-day conditions of the conditions of Earth's atmosphere. Severe weather events cause billions of dollars in damages to infrastructure. Weather forecasts allow humans to prepare for severe weather events.
- Meteorologists and scientists use advanced tools to research the atmosphere. These tools include computer models, radar, and satellites.
- Comments from expert scientist: Clear articulation of the difference between climate and weather.
- The point is well made that Earth has different climate zones but within each zone the conditions are highly variable.