General Climate
handout exercisesuggested grade levels: 7- 8
view Idaho achievement standards for this lesson

Overview:
There are many things that influence the climate of any area including latitude, altitude, distance from the ocean, and wind. This exercise consists of several basic questions from the general climate section of the Digital Atlas of Idaho. This can be done as a class discussion if desired, or teachers can have the students work in small groups of 3-4 people while using a computer. This exercise can easily be turned into a homework assignment.

Procedure:
Encourage your students to read through the general climate section of the Digital Atlas of Idaho. Advise them to click on the various links to see the pictures. Have them answer the following questions. (See handout sample) To get there: Click on Atlas Home, Climatology, then on General Climate. Also review the FAQ section of the Basics section of Climatology. For a printable pdf copy of the handout for your students, click below.

Handouts/Activities:
These are links to access the handouts and printable materials.
clim2ho.pdf | clim2AK.pdf | General Climate

Handout Sample:
The sample questions below are shown in the printed handout.

There are many things that influence the climate of any area including latitude, altitude, distance from the ocean, and wind. This exercise consists of several basic questions from the general climate section of the Digital Atlas of Idaho. Answer the following questions using the Atlas, the Internet, and your library as sources of information and images (as needed).

1. What is the difference between weather and climate?
2. What are the four main things that influence the climate of an area?
3. What are the high/low extremes in Idaho for temperature? What are the high and low temperatures in your part of the state?

Related Lesson Topics:
Cilmatology: Climatology Topics

Lesson plan by Vita Taube, 2000
Idaho Achievement Standards (as of 7/2001) met by completing this activity:
804.01.02
798.01