Activity Introduction

Quick summary: In this activity students explain the difference between climate and weather, and investigate past weather and climate events. Students begin the activity by engaging in a class discussion around weather and climate. They then break into groups and create an infographic that compares weather and climate, and includes examples of historical weather and climatic events. Students present their infographics to the class.

Learning goals:

  • Students understand the differences between climate and weather.
  • Students understand the relationship between climate and weather.
  • Students recognise examples of past climate and weather events.

General capabilities: ICT capability, Critical and creative thinking

Australian Curriculum content description:

Year 3 Geography

  • The main climate types of the world and the similarities and differences between the climates of different places (ACHASSK068)
  • Locate and collect information and data from different sources, including observations (ACHASSI053)
  • Record, sort and represent data and the location of places and their characteristics in different formats, including simple graphs, tables and maps, using discipline-appropriate conventions (ACHASSI054)
  • Interpret data and information displayed in different formats, to identify and describe distributions and simple patterns (ACHASSI057)
  • Present ideas, findings and conclusions in texts and modes that incorporate digital and non-digital representations and discipline-specific terms (ACHASSI061)

Year 4 Science

  • Earth’s surface changes over time as a result of natural processes and human activity (ACSSU075)
  • Represent and communicate ideas and findings in a variety of ways such as diagrams, physical representations and simple reports (ACSIS071)

Year 4 Geography

  • Locate and collect information and data from different sources, including observations (ACHASSI074)
  • Record, sort and represent data and the location of places and their characteristics in different formats, including simple graphs, tables and maps, using discipline-appropriate conventions (ACHASSI075)
  • Present ideas, findings and conclusions in texts and modes that incorporate digital and non-digital representations and discipline-specific terms (ACHASSI082)

Syllabus Outcomes: GE2-1, GE2-4, ST2-4WS, ST2-8ES. 

Topic: Climate change

Time required: 60 mins

Level of teacher scaffolding: Medium – oversee activity, facilitate discussion

Resources required: Internet access, student worksheet.

Digital technology opportunities: Infographic creation (e.g. Piktochart), digital sharing capabilities. DIY infographic background information.

Homework and extension opportunities: This activity includes opportunities for extension.

Keywords: Climate change, Australia, weather, climate, history, map.

 

Cool Australia’s curriculum team continually reviews and refines our resources to be in line with changes to the Australian Curriculum.

Worksheets

Teacher Worksheet

Teacher preparation:

Overarching learning goal: In this activity students explain the difference between climate and weather and the relationship between them, and investigate past weather and climate events.

Hot tips: DIY infographic background information.

Teacher Content Information:

The IPCC:
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is the United Nations body for assessing the science related to climate change. It was created to:
  • provide policymakers (governments) with regular scientific updates about climate change;
  • highlight the impact climate change will have on the planet in the future; and,
  • offer some ideas about how to tackle the challenges of climate change's potential effects on the planet.
 
In 2021-22, the IPCC released their sixth assessment report. This is the most up-to-date physical understanding of the climate system and climate change.
The report makes a number of important points:
  • It is unequivocal that human influence has warmed t
...
 
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Student Worksheet

Thought starter: What does climate have to do with weather?

Working in groups, create an infographic comparing historical weather and climate events in Australia.

Your infographic should include:

  • A definition of weather with examples;
  • A definition of climate with examples;
  • Examples of historical weather events;
  • Examples of a historical climate events;
  • A map of Australia showing major geographical features (including basic mapping conventions) and the locations of the historical climate and weather events;
  • Images; and
  • Facts and stats about weather and climate.

You will be presenting your infographic to the class and talking about what kinds of impacts these weather and climate events had on people and our environment.

 

Reflection questions

What is the difference between climate and weather?

 

What is an example of climate?

 

What is an example of weather?

 

How does the weather in different parts of Australia affect the climate in that place?

 

R...

 
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