This video explores differing weather patterns and climates around the world.
What is the weather like around the world?
Maddie: Hello! What are you up to?
Child: We're at this science centre to find out about weather all around the world.
Maddie: From sun to rain to snow, weather is all around us every day, but did you know that weather patterns are different depending on where you are in the world?
Child: Phew! We're in the rainforest room! It's very hot and damp here.
Maddie: Yes! Rainforests can be found in the Tropics. These are the parts of the Earth that are close to the Equator. The Equator is an imaginary line that runs around the middle of the Earth. The weather here is mostly hot and humid, with wet and dry seasons.
Child: So in the Tropics they have no wintertime?
Maddie: No winter, but there are still changes in the weather patterns here at different times of year and the conditions are perfect for plants to grow!
Child: We've found somewhere really cold and icy!
Maddie: You are in the polar room, so you're feeling what the weather is like in the Earth's polar regions. The Earth has two polar regions, the North Pole - or the Arctic region - which is found at the most northern point. And the South Pole - or the Antarctic region - which is at the most southern part. These are the parts of the Earth that get the fewest of the sun's rays.
Child: That's why it's so cold!
Maddie: Yes, the polar regions are extremely cold and windy. This is where you will find glaciers, icebergs and and lots of snow!
Child: So, the weather in other parts of the world is different to to ours in the UK?
Maddie: Yes, that's right. Different parts of the world have very different weather patterns. Lets find out what the weather is like in India…
Child: Hi, my name is Yohaan and I live in Delhi in India. Right now the season is winter. It might be very pleasant and sunny but it's also chilly at the same time. Also, summer is approaching, as you can see the flowers are blooming. I also like summer because I get to play my favourite sport - football!
Monsoon season is when the rain falls down and there are a lot of high chances of floods. I like this season because the rain falls down and it helps plants to grow more larger and better. Bye, see you next time!
Maddie: Wow, that's so interesting! In Europe, including the UK we have a temperate climate. This means we have mostly mild weather - without weather extremes - and four main seasons: spring, summer, autumn and winter, which usually all have differentweather. But even within the UK the weather is often different, depending on where you are.
Child: Like when its raining here in Edinburgh, but sunny in London!
Maddie: Edinburgh is the capital city of Scotland and most years the rainfall in Scotland is the highest of all the countries in the UK. The rainfall in England, however, which has London as its capital city, is the lowest of all the countries in the UK. Our weather inthe UK can also change a lot.
Child: Like sometimes when its sunny, but then it suddenly starts to rain?
Maddie: Exactly!
Weather forecasters can make predictions about the weather by looking closely at the direction and speed the weather is moving.Of course sometimes even they can get it wrong. And then there is climate change, which is contributing to changing weatherpatterns around the world and some dramatic weather events like bush fires in Australia and flooding right here in the UK. Wecan all help to slow climate change by making sustainable choices in how we live our lives.
Those look awesome! What are you drawing?
Child: We are making posters to remind us to make sustainable choices.
Maddie: Excellent! What are your ideas?
Child: Not wasting water, food, paper or electricity.
Child: Walking or cycling for journeys when possible.
Child: Taking part in sustainable activities like planting trees.
Maddie: Those are great ideas!
We can all help to protect the planet and appreciate all the different weather patterns around the world.
Video summary
Download/print a transcript of the video.
This video follows a group of children as they find out about global weather patterns.
Through their exploration of different climate zones, the children gain insight into the diverse weather patterns of various regions, from the steamy rainforests to the icy polar landscapes.
Teacher notes
Discussion points:
1. Understanding global weather patterns:
- Introduce the concept of weather and its variability across different parts of the world.
2. Regional weather variations:
- Explore how weather conditions vary within the UK and the other home countries.
- Highlight examples of contrasting weather phenomena, such as rainfall differences between Scotland and England.
3. Tropical rainforests:
- Explain the characteristics of tropical rainforests, including hot and humid conditions and distinct wet and dry seasons.
- Highlight the importance of these regions for biodiversity and plant growth.
- Ask – ‘Why do some parts of the world experience distinct seasons while others have more consistent weather throughout the year?’
4. Polar regions:
- Discuss the extreme cold and windy conditions found in the Earth's polar regions, including the formation of glaciers, icebergs, and snow in these areas.
- Ask – ‘What are some differences in weather patterns between tropical rainforests and polar regions?’
5. Impact of climate change:
- Discuss the role of climate change in altering weather patterns and contributing to extreme weather events.
- Emphasise the importance of sustainable living practices in mitigating climate change.
- Ask – ‘What are some examples of extreme weather events caused by climate change?’
Suggested activities:
1. Weather map activity:
- Provide a blank map of the UK and have children mark different weather map symbols to represent weather conditions in various regions.
- Encourage discussions about how weather patterns differ across the country.
2. Weather journal:
- Invite children to keep a simple weather journal where they record the daily weather in their area. This activity fosters observation skills and encourages children to track changes in weather over time.
3. DIY weather instruments:
- Encourage children to make simple weather instruments from household materials, such as a weathervane with anemometer or a rain collector.
4. Cross-curricular sustainability project:
- Guide children in thinking of sustainable living practices and creating posters to promote environmental conservation.
- Discuss ideas such as reducing waste, conserving energy, and participating in eco-friendly activities like tree planting.
Curriculum notes:
This video supports learning objectives related to Geography and Science in Key Stage 1 within the National Curriculums of England and Northern Ireland, and 1st Level in Scotland. It also aligns with cross-curricular themes such as sustainability and global citizenship.
What are the seasons? video
An introduction to the characteristics and activities associated with each season.
What causes the seasons? video
Exploring the relationship of the Earth to the sun, and how the seasons occur in the UK.
