The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) Weather and Climate unit is an educational module designed to teach students about the factors that influence weather and climate on our planet. The NGSS Weather and Climate unit covers a range of topics, including atmospheric conditions, the water cycle, climate change, and weather forecasting.
The NGSS Weather and Climate unit is organized into several distinct lessons, each of which explores a specific aspect of weather and climate in depth. Some of the key concepts covered in this unit include the differences between weather and climate, the causes of extreme weather events such as hurricanes and tornadoes, the role of greenhouse gases in climate change, and the ways in which scientists gather and interpret data to make weather forecasts.
Throughout the NGSS Weather and Climate unit, students are encouraged to engage in hands-on learning activities that help them build a deeper understanding of the scientific concepts being explored. These activities might include conducting experiments to simulate the effects of atmospheric conditions, analyzing weather data to identify patterns and trends, or using computer simulations to model the impact of climate change on different parts of the world.
By the end of the NGSS Weather and Climate unit, students should have a solid understanding of the factors that influence weather and climate on our planet, as well as the ways in which these systems are interconnected. They should also be equipped with the critical thinking and problem-solving skills needed to better understand the complex relationships between the Earth's physical systems and to make informed decisions about the future of our planet.
Weather and Climate Study Guides: Energy Variation and Climate Change (HS-ESS2-4) : Climate Change and Future Impacts (HS-ESS3-5) : Air Masses, Fronts, and Weather (HS-ESS2-8)