ERIC Number: EJ1037418
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2013-Sep
Pages: 4
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0269-2465
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Tackling Weather and Climate Change Creatively in Science
Dale, Murray
Primary Science, v129 p5-8 Sept 2013
In this article, the author offers some practical support for teaching about weather, climate and climate change. In England, weather and climate are traditionally taught within the geography curriculum, although it is actually a very scientific subject, involving skills such as making careful observations and measurements, interpreting data presented in many forms, and drawing conclusions. Relevant teaching and learning objectives within the National Curriculum for England refer to temperature, solid-liquid-gas states, the water cycle, and sunlight, all of which are normally covered within science. Relating the study of these topics to weather and climate can give purpose to learning the science subject knowledge. But how can these principles be taught creatively in science lessons? The author states that a good way to address climate change with students is to explain the difference between weather and climate. He shows that having a basic understanding is a fundamental building block for learning about meteorology and climate change. The students also have the benefit of developing other science skills: inquiry, measurement, science vocabulary, considering controversial subjects, responsibility, and communication. The article shows how geography, humanities, literacy, math, music, modern foreign languages, and physical education can all benefit across the curriculum.
Descriptors: Climate, Weather, Geography Instruction, Geography, Measurement, Data, Vocabulary Development, Controversial Issues (Course Content), Responsibility, Interpersonal Communication, Elementary School Students, Foreign Countries
Association for Science Education. College Lane Hatfield, Herts, AL10 9AA, UK. Tel: +44-1-707-283000; Fax: +44-1-707-266532; e-mail: info@ase.org.uk; Web site: http://www.ase.org.uk
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Elementary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: United Kingdom (England)
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A

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