In this video, students will learn the differences between weather and climate. Weather is only temporary. For example, a blizzard can turn into a flood after just a few warm spring days. Climate, on the other hand, is more than just a few warm or cool days. Climate describes the typical weather conditions in an entire region for a very long time—30 years or more.
Keeping an eye on changing weather can help us plan. We know that if thunderclouds are forming overhead, it’s probably a good idea to stay inside. But it’s important to keep an eye on changes in Earth’s climate, too. And NASA has observed that Earth is getting warmer.
As Earth’s climate warms, ice in Antarctica and Greenland is melting. This causes the level of the oceans to rise. NASA satellites can measure sea-level rise from space. They can also track changes in the climate by measuring the clouds.
We know that changes in the number, size, or location of clouds could be caused by a change in Earth’s climate. It’s important to keep an eye on our planet and all the ways that it’s changing. Right now, it’s the only one we’ve got!
This video satisfies the 3-ESS2-1 and 3-ESS2-2 requirements for third-grade science proficiency.
Students who demonstrate understanding can:
3-ESS2-1. Represent data in tables and graphical displays to describe typical weather conditions expected during a particular season.
3-ESS2-2. Obtain and combine information to describe climates in different regions of the world.
