☀️ Part 1: Sort the Images

I can tell the difference between weather and climate.

Success criteria: I can describe weather as short-term conditions and climate as usual patterns over many years.

Directions: Read each picture card. Write its number in the correct column: Weather or Climate.

Picture Cards

1. 🌩️ A thunderstorm is happening this afternoon.

2. 🏜️ A desert usually receives very little rain.

3. 🌫️ Fog covers the roads this morning.

4. ❄️ Snow fell overnight.

5. 🌴 A tropical rainforest is warm and rainy most of the year.

6. 🌬️ Strong winds are blowing right now.

7. 🧥 Polar regions stay cold for most of the year.

8. ☀️ The temperature is 72°F and sunny today.

9. 🌧️ A coastal city often has mild, wet winters.

10. 🌀 A hurricane is approaching the coast this week.

11. 🌾 The Great Plains are often dry and windy in spring.

12. ☔ Rain is falling outside right now.

Sort the Cards

Weather: short-term conditions

____________________________

Climate: usual patterns over many years

____________________________

🔎 Part 2: Show What You Know

I can use evidence to explain whether a statement describes weather or climate.

Success criteria: I use the words short-term, long-term, or pattern in my explanations.

13. Which statement describes weather?

A desert is usually hot and dry.

It is 80°F and raining today.

Polar regions are cold most of the year.

14. Which statement describes climate?

A storm is moving through Georgia tonight.

Snow is falling right now.

A rainforest is warm and wet most of the year.

15. Explain the difference between weather and climate.

16. Look outside and describe today's weather. Include temperature, clouds, wind, or precipitation.

🌎 Part 3: Think Like a Scientist

Support for diverse learners: Use these sentence frames: “The weather is _____ today because _____.” “The climate of this place is _____ because it usually _____.” Students may draw a symbol beside each card or work with a partner.

Extension for advanced learners: Choose one location in Georgia and one location in another part of the world. Research or predict one weather condition and one climate pattern for each place. Explain how the two ideas are different.

17. Draw one weather symbol and one climate symbol. Label each drawing.

18. Write one question a scientist could ask when studying weather or climate.