Weather and Climate - Grade 5 Science (EVS)
Chapter Overview
This chapter introduces students to the concepts of weather and climate, explaining the differences between them and the factors that influence both. Students will learn about various weather elements, how they are measured, and how climate varies across different regions.
Weather: The day-to-day condition of the atmosphere at a place with respect to temperature, humidity, rainfall, wind speed, etc.
Climate: The average weather pattern taken over a long time (about 25 years) in a particular region.
Elements of Weather
The main elements of weather include:
- Temperature
- Humidity
- Rainfall
- Wind speed and direction
- Atmospheric pressure
Measuring Weather
Different instruments are used to measure weather elements:
- Thermometer - measures temperature
- Hygrometer - measures humidity
- Rain gauge - measures rainfall
- Anemometer - measures wind speed
- Wind vane - shows wind direction
- Barometer - measures atmospheric pressure
Climate Zones
The Earth has three major climate zones:
- Polar Zone (cold)
- Temperate Zone (moderate)
- Tropical Zone (hot)
Difference Between Weather and Climate
| Weather | Climate |
|---|---|
| Short-term atmospheric conditions | Long-term weather patterns |
| Changes frequently (daily or hourly) | Remains consistent over years |
| Describes current conditions | Describes expected conditions |
Factors Affecting Climate
Several factors influence the climate of a place:
- Distance from the equator
- Altitude (height above sea level)
- Distance from the sea
- Ocean currents
- Wind patterns
- Amount of rainfall
Adaptation to Climate
Living organisms adapt to their climate in different ways:
- Plants have different leaf structures
- Animals have different body coverings
- Humans build different types of houses
- People wear different types of clothing
Adaptation: The process by which organisms adjust to their environment to survive.