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How to Teach Weather vs Climate in Third Grade (With Fun, Hands-On Activities!)

Understanding the difference between weather and climate is a key science concept for third graders. These two terms can be tricky, but by making learning hands-on and engaging, your students will confidently be able to explain the difference!

In this post, I’ll walk you through some easy activities, recommended read-aloud books, and some great videos to help make teaching this much easier.

Weather vs. Climate 🌦️

First, it’s important to define the difference for your students. You can introduce the topic with this Weather vs. Climate Slideshow, where we break down weather as the short-term changes in the atmosphere (like rain or sunny skies today), while climate is the average weather in a place over a long period of time (think tropical or polar climates).

Hands-On Activity 1: Weather vs. Climate Graphing đź“Š

One of the best activities you can do in your classroom is having students create a weather journal. Over the course of a week, students can track the daily weather where you live. What’s the temperature? Is it sunny or rainy? What’s the wind speed? Is it cloudy?

Then, at the end of the week, have them look at the broader climate of your region. Is your region typically warm or cold? This helps them see how daily weather changes but climate stays consistent.

Materials:

  • Paper or notebooks
  • Colored pencils or markers

Science Standard: NGSS 3-ESS2-1

Represent data in tables and graphical displays (pictograph or bar graph) to describe typical weather conditions expected during a particular season. Examples of data could include average temperature, precipitation, and wind direction.

Math Standard: CCSS 3.MD.B.3

Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with several categories.

How to Use It:
Students can create simple charts to record daily weather and then write a sentence at the end of the week (or month) to summarize their findings. You can do this again during a different season of the year. This will help them better understand the difference between short-term and long-term patterns.

Hands-On Activity 2: Create a Climate Zone Map 🌎

This activity allows students to explore different climates around the world. Provide them with a world map and have them color-code different climate zones (tropical, desert, polar, etc.). Then, discuss how each climate zone stays mostly the same year after year, unlike the weather, which changes daily.

Materials:

  • Blank world maps
  • Colored pencils

How to Use It:
Students will love visually seeing where each climate zone is located and identifying the type of weather each climate typically experiences. It’s a great way to combine geography and science!

With this weather and climate unit, your students can read about all the different climates of the world through a mini book, reading passages, colorful posters, and characteristics sort.

Fun Weather vs. Climate Videos

Sometimes, a video is the best way to reinforce what you’ve taught in class. (Especially for your visual learners!) Here are a few kid-friendly videos that explain weather vs. climate:

Weather vs. Climate: What’s the Difference?

This fun and simple video breaks down the main differences between weather and climate, with easy-to-understand visuals.

What’s the Difference Between Weather and Climate?

A great video from NASA’s Climate Kids that introduces the topic in a relatable way for young learners.

Climates for Kids | Learn About Different Weather and Climate Zones

This video helps students explore different climate zones and understand the differences between weather and climate across the globe.

The Difference Between Weather vs. Climate | CBC Kids

This short video provides clear explanations about the difference between weather and climate with relatable examples.

Read-Aloud Books for Teaching Weather & Climate

Pairing your lesson with a great read-aloud book can help deepen understanding. Here are some books I love that explain weather and climate:

If you’re ready to dive into teaching weather vs climate, check out my Weather vs. Climate Slideshow and 3rd Grade Weather and Climate Unit for an easy-to-use resource that breaks everything down in student-friendly language.

More Ideas for Teaching Weather and Climate!

(This post contains Amazon affiliate links. This means that Amazon sends me a little pocket change, at no cost to you, if you purchase through one of these links. This helps keep my site running!)

Other ELA Weather and Climate Resources:

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