Introduction to Weather Dynamics

Weather is defined as the day to day, short-term environmental conditions that are experienced in a location. Climate refers to the patterns of weather, including temperature, rainfall, wind, humidity, pressure and cloudiness, in an area over a period of years. It is what can be expected. Both weather and climate are created by interactions between the Earth and the Sun. Since weather is so much a part of our everyday lives, it is important for students to develop a working knowledge of weather dynamics. The weather determines what we'll wear, where we go on vacation, when to plant a garden or crop and what kind of tires to put on our vehicles. The goal of this unit is to familarize students with:

Some of the key questions that students will be able to answer on completion of this unit (as outlined by Sask. Learning curriculum) are:

1. What is the difference between weather and climate?

2. What are the impacts of severe weather on our planet?

3. How do meteorologists collect data?

4. What are the scientific principles that explain global weather dynamics?

5. How do meteorologists forecast the weather locally and globally?

6. What major natural and human factors influence climate change?

7. What are the effects of global climate change on our environment?