Global Climates

Grade Level: 6th

Subject: Science

Time Frame: 8 weeks (October-December)

Essential Questions

- what are the main factors that affect the climate of a geographic region?
- how does the moon affect ocean tides?
- what are the eight phases of the moon?
- what is difference between a solar and lunar eclipse?

By the end of the unit, students will know:

- the main factors that affect climate
- which celestial object has the most impact on Earth
- the phases of the moon
- the effect of the moon on tides
- the causes of solar and lunar eclipses

By the end of the unit, students will be able to:

- explain why different geographic regions have different climates
- describe annual solar patterns
- explain how the Earth's tilt and revolution affect climate
- describe the lunar phases
- explain what causes a solar and lunar eclipse

Chapter: Introduction to Global Climates

# of Days: 3

Topics:

- climate

Chapter: Earth, Moon, Sun System

# of Days: 7

Topics:

- solar patterns and seasons
- explaining solar patterns
- lunar patterns
- eclipses
- tides

Chapter: Global Energy Flow (seasons, winds, and currents)

# of Days: 15

Topics:

- latitudes
- the seasons
- prevailing winds
- heat capacity- land vs. water
- altitude

Chapter: Explaining Global Climates

# of Days: 5

Topics:

- currents
- altitude
- latitude

Standards

MS-PS3; MS-LS2, MS-ESS1; MS-ESS2; MS-ESS3