3-ESS2-2
The standard
Obtain and combine information to describe climates in different regions of the world.
Next Generation Science Standards
What this standard means
Students need to gather information from maps, charts, short texts, and images about weather patterns in different places. They should use that information together to describe a region’s climate, not just one day’s weather.
Mastery looks like comparing places using evidence, such as temperature, rainfall, and seasons. Students often mix up weather and climate. They may also describe a place with one clue, like “hot,” without using data about rain, seasons, or long-term patterns.
Ways to teach it
- Give groups climate graphs and photo cards, then have them match each graph to a region and explain their evidence.
- Ask students to write: How is the climate in a rainforest different from the climate in a desert? Use two facts.
- Show three city climate charts and ask students to circle the wettest place, then write one sentence explaining how they know.
- Have students compare vacation packing lists for Alaska, Egypt, and Brazil, then connect each item to climate evidence.
Plan a lesson for 3-ESS2-2
Generate a complete lesson plan aligned to this standard, with objectives, activities, and materials. Free, no account needed.
Related standards
- MS-ESS2-6
Develop and use a model to describe how unequal heating and rotation of the Earth cause patterns of atmospheric and oceanic circulation that determine regional ...
- K-ESS2-1
Use and share observations of local weather conditions to describe patterns over time.
- MS-ESS2-5
Collect data to provide evidence for how the motions and complex interactions of air masses results in changes in weather conditions.
- 3-ESS2-1
Represent data in tables and graphical displays to describe typical weather conditions expected during a particular season.