Author: Amanda McGarrigle

Topic
Climates

Background Information
This unit will allow the class to explore and identify a range of climates. A climate is the long term weather pattern of a particular area. A climate for an area is usually measured over 30 years. There are multiple climates within the world including: desert, tropical and Antarctic. A climate is determined by the position a location has in terms of the equator, latitude, altitude, terrain and nearby bodies of water. Different animals and plants can survive in different climates and have adapted to survive in these areas.

In this unit the children will…
Use maps, atlases and the internet to explore the geographical position of different climates.
Develop essential map work skills.
Use technology and books to research a range of different climates.
Explore the different wildlife which can survive in different climates.
Discuss which climates are most suitable for different activities and wildlife.

By the end of this unit….
All children can:
Define a climate.
Name some of the climate zones.
Locate an area using a map.
Participate in research.
Discuss some wildlife which can survive in different climates.
Discuss which climates they like.
Most children will:
Locate a range of different climates.
Identify most climate zones.
Discuss why different wildlife survive in different climates.
Express why wildlife is most suitable for the climate it lives in.
Some children will:
Understand the importance of having different climates in the world.
Correctly use a range of geographical vocabulary to describe the location of climates.

Key Vocabulary
Climate
Latitude
Longitude
Northern hemisphere
Southern hemisphere
Equator
Terrain
Location
Weather
Temperature