Module 1: Earth S Climate System

Module 3: Earth’s Climate System

Module Big Idea: A number of natural factors (i.e. topography, atmospheric makeup, sun) constitute the Earth’s Climate System. Different regions experience different climates based on these factors. Lesson Sequence Accompanying Teacher Curriculum Resources Expectations 1 How the Earth’s Climate System works on a Global Climate Web D3.1, D2.1 Global Scale. Investigation  The biosphere is made up of the atmosphere, hydrosphere and Making Fog Demo lithosphere.  Configuration of land masses (topography) and proximity to water bodies affects a region’s climate.  Regional precipitation patterns are influenced by topography and proximity to water bodies. 2 1) Climate vs. Weather Weather vs. Climate Sort D2.8, A1.8  There are key differences between weather and climate. Venn Diagram Sort  Climate patterns or trends can be used to predict regional weather Taking the City’s patterns. Temperature 2) Investigate Toronto Climate  Compare climate data from various regions throughout Canada (i.e. Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto) 3 Heat Transfer in the hydrosphere and Conduction and D3.2, D2.5 atmosphere Convection Gizmo with  Heat is transferred between student worksheet substances through conduction, convection and radiation. Radiation, Conduction,  Heat transfer between the Convection hydrosphere and atmosphere Compare/Contrast contributes to regional and global climate patterns.  Air and water currents occur as a result of heat transfer between the hydrosphere and the atmosphere. 4 Water affects climate patterns Albedo and the D2.6, D2.7, A1.5  Water bodies (including oceans and Importance of Ice Lab lakes) moderate regional and global climate. Melting Ice Burgs Demo  The presence of ice increases the overall albedo of the Earth’s surface Salt Water vs. Fresh thus affecting global climate. Water Demo  Global warming leads to melting surface ice and ground-based ice, Ocean Currents Lab which have different impacts on ocean levels and global climate patterns.  Salt water and fresh water have different compositions. Their interactions lead to ocean currents (including the jet stream) and have an impact on regional and global climate.