Climate Patterns

Performance Expectation

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.

In Student-Friendly Words...

I can explain how the Sun and Earth's rotation create global wind and ocean current patterns that affect climate.

Big Ideas

The Sun heats Earth unevenly.
Uneven heating creates convection currents in the atmosphere and oceans.
Earth's rotation affects global wind and ocean current patterns.
These patterns influence regional climates.

Interactive Learning

Climate Quiz

Watch & Learn

Ear Worms

Sunlight and Earth's Temperature | Rap Video by SquidBooks

Real-World Connections

Where People Live

Climate patterns help explain why different regions have different temperatures, precipitation, plants, and animals.

Travel

Understanding climate helps you know what weather conditions to expect when visiting another part of the country or world.

Agriculture

Farmers use knowledge of climate patterns to decide what crops can grow and when they should be planted.

Ocean Currents

Ocean circulation moves heat around the planet and influences the climate and weather of coastal regions.

Take It Further

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