Level 4 · Science S4.14
Atmosphere and climate
The air around the Earth shapes our weather and climate, and people are changing it.
Planned. This book is not written yet. Below is its plan, which a teacher can already use.
You are ready for this book if
You can explain how burning fuels adds carbon dioxide to the air.
- One step up S5.15 Astrophysics and cosmology
- This book S4.14 Atmosphere and climate
- One step down S3.12 The solar system and seasons
The plan
- S4.14.1 The air and its layers
- Give the rough share of each gas in dry air
- Name the layers of the atmosphere in order
- Explain how the ozone layer protects life from ultraviolet
- S4.14.2 Weather and air pressure
- Explain how high and low pressure bring different weather
- Build a rain gauge and a wind vane and keep records
- S4.14.3 Winds, monsoons and storms
- Explain land and sea breezes using convection
- Explain how monsoons and tropical storms form
- S4.14.4 Climate zones
- Explain why climate differs with latitude, height and distance from the sea
- Read a climate graph of temperature and rainfall
- S4.14.5 Air pollution
- Explain how burning fuels causes smog and acid rain
- Explain why smoke from indoor cooking fires harms health
- S4.14.6 The greenhouse effect
- Explain the greenhouse effect with a labelled diagram
- Name the main greenhouse gases and where they come from
- S4.14.7 Climate change
- Use data to describe how global temperature has changed
- Explain effects such as rising seas, droughts and floods
- S4.14.8 Responding to climate change
- Compare ways to cut greenhouse gas emissions
- Explain how people adapt, such as by storing water and growing new crops
For parents and teachers
Level 4 fits learners who can already: follow a written argument. use letters for numbers. In many schools that is about 14 to 16, but start wherever the learner is.
Strand: Earth and space. Written and drawn by attnom. Free to read, print and share.