Weather+and+Climate


 * Content Objective:** We will differentiate between weather and climate. (5.8A)
 * Language Objective:** We will share information in cooperative learning interactions. (ELP.3E)



Today we're going to learn about climate zones. Climate zones refer to the type of weather conditions that are expected in a certain area during the year. Think-Pair-Share: What are some different climate zones you can think of?
 * ENGAGE:** 2 minutes

List the following climate regions on the board: Ask students to brainstorm at their tables as much information as they can think of about the kinds of weather, plants, and animals they might find in each region.
 * EXPLORE:** 7 minutes
 * desert
 * rainforest
 * tundra
 * grassland
 * savanna
 * forest

Power Teach: weather //(The W handshapes touch and twist back and forth.//) //–// the state of the atmosphere (//sweep hands up and across to indicate the air///sky//)// at a specific time (//point to the back of the wrist, like you are pointing at a// watch//)// and place (//point to the ground, to indicate where you are//) climate – //(The W handshapes touch and twist back and forth.//) the average (//One hand is tapping the other one down the middle.//) temperature (//the index finger moves up and down the upright index finger of the opposite hand//) and conditions in a place (//point to the ground, to indicate where you are//)
 * EXPLAIN:** 10 minutes
 * The temperature in Duncanville right now is 65 degrees.
 * Chicago had three inches of snow last night.
 * In Dallas the warmest month of the year is July with an average maximum temperature of 96.10 degrees Fahrenheit, while the coldest month of the year is January with an average minimum temperature of 36.40 degrees Fahrenheit.

Students will number between 1-6. Students will fill out a paper (attached) on the information they discover.
 * ELABORATE:** 20 minutes
 * 1s and 4s will become experts on deserts and tundras (attached as pages 1 and 2 on student information pages)
 * 2s and 5s will become experts on grasslands and savannas (attached as pages 3 and 4 on student information pages)
 * 3s and 6s will become experts on rain forests and deciduous forests (attached as pages 5 and 6 on student information pages)

Groups will come back together to share information on their climate zones in their groups.
 * ELABORATE:** 30 minutes

Students will complete the back page (Review) of their packes in their groups.


 * ENGAGEMENT METER**
 * Homework:** Review, if not finished in class.