Weather vs Climate

Name:

Date:

📚 Part 1: Multiple Choice

WALT: Differentiate between weather and climate.

Success Criteria: I can define weather and climate, give examples of each, and choose correct statements about their differences.

1. Which best describes weather?

The short-term state of the atmosphere (day-to-day conditions)

The average weather over about 30 years

The temperature at Earth's core

2. Which best describes climate?

Local weather this morning

Long-term average weather patterns for a region

The weather forecast for the next 24 hours

3. Check all that are examples of weather:

Heavy rain this afternoon in Auckland

Average annual rainfall for Wellington

A three-day heatwave

New Zealand having a generally temperate climate

4. Climate is usually measured over a time period of about 30 years. True or False?

True

False

✏️ Part 2: Short Answers & Activity

5. In one sentence, define weather:

6. In one sentence, define climate:

7. Match each example to whether it is mainly about Weather (W) or Climate (C). Draw a line between columns.

A. A cold snap lasting three days

B. Average summer temperature 22°C

C. A single heavy storm

D. The long-term dryness of Central Otago

1. Weather (W)

2. Climate (C)

8. Give one example of how understanding climate can help a New Zealand community plan (e.g., farming, flood protection):

Extension (advanced learners): Research an extreme weather or climate event in New Zealand (e.g., Canterbury drought, Cyclone Gabrielle). In 2–3 sentences describe the event and one likely cause.

Extension activity idea: Create a short poster or slide that explains the difference between weather and climate and shows one NZ example of each. Share in the next lesson.