Teacher Guide Climate Change or Climate Variability: Making Sense of U.S. Temperature and Precipitation Data

to determine if the U.S. climate is changing. Students interpret the temperature and precipitation data in the contexts of the hydrologic cycle and agricultural impact on the environment. Major Concepts: Weather can be defined as the physical conditions of the lower atmosphere over a short time period whereas climate refers to the average weather conditions for a location over a long time period. Climate scientists use average temperature and average precipitation as the main weather conditions for determining climate. The Earth may be divided into six major climate regions or zones based upon temperature profiles and latitude. Climate variability involves short-term change or fluctuation in temperature and precipitation, whereas climate change encompasses significant change in temperature and precipitation lasting for an extended period of time (decades or longer). Although the precipitation and temperature patterns for the U.S. are increasing, this change varies geographically. The geographic variations in precipitation and temperature will impact agriculture in different ways. Objectives: After completing this activity, students will be able to: • state the difference between weather and climate. • determine the climate zone for their school. • analyze temperature and precipitation data for the U.S. • explain how temperature and precipitation patterns in the U.S. are changing. • describe how a change in the Earth’s temperature affects the hydrologic cycle. • relate changes in U.S. temperature and precipitation to drought conditions in the U.S. • transform data into a graphic form. • calculate basic descriptive statistics. Materials and Preparation: You will need to prepare the following materials before conducting this activity