Unit 2: Earth Science
Chapter 5: Earth's Weather
Lesson 1: Earth's Atmosphere
Lesson Summary: The air in Earth’s atmosphere has weight and presses on all the objects it surrounds. The properties of air are that it has weight, takes up space, and exerts pressure. Changes in volume, temperature, humidity, or altitude can change air pressure. Two types of barometers are used to measure atmospheric pressure. |
Vocabulary
Resources Study Jams Weather and Climate Earth's Atmosphere Study Jams Textbook Link |
Lesson 2: Air Currents and Winds
Lesson Summary: 5 ES 4.a When air is heated unevenly it moves around, causing winds and air currents. The Sun heats Earth’s atmosphere unequally. Air moves from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure. Global winds are predictable, blow steadily, and blow over long distances. |
Lesson 3: Oceans and Air Temperature
Lesson Summary: 5 ES 4.b Ocean water helps determine the weather and climate of nearby land. Earth’s oceans keep Earth’s temperatures moderate. Ocean currents move heat and water around the Earth. An El Niño can cause weather changes over a large area. |
Lesson 4: Severe Weather
Lesson Summary: 5 ES 4.c Storms are caused by the collision of air masses that have different temperatures and humidities. When air masses with different temperatures and moisture levels meet, they cause changes in air pressure and in weather that can lead to thunderstorms. Cyclones, such as hurricanes and tornadoes, are storms with a low pressure center that cause a circular pattern of winds to form. Other types of severe weather include monsoons and fog. |
Vocabulary
Resources Textbook Link Study Jams Severe Storms Typhoon Haiyan Weather Word Search Understand Hurricanes What Happens in a Hurricane |
Lesson 5: Predicting the Weather
Lesson Summary: 5 ES 4.d Weather maps tell you what the weather is and help you predict tomorrow’s weather. Weather maps contain data that is used to predict weather. Movements of masses of air with different pressures bring changes in weather. Weather data comes from observations and instruments. |