Factors That Affect Climate: Reading Passages for Grades 5–8
Understanding the factors that affect climate is essential for students learning about Earth science and global environmental change. Our reading passages for grades 5–8 are designed to build science knowledge and reading comprehension at the same time. Each passage focuses on one major climate-influencing factor, helping students connect real-world geography with the weather patterns we experience every day.
Aligned with Earth and Space Science → Weather and Climate standards, these passages are perfect for classroom use, homework, or enrichment. Read on to discover how each key factor plays a role in shaping climate.
🌍 Latitude: A Major Factor That Affects Climate
Latitude influences climate by affecting the intensity and duration of sunlight in different parts of the world. This passage helps students understand why tropical areas are hot and humid, polar zones are cold and dry, and temperate regions have changing seasons.
👉 Click here to read the passage on how latitude affects climate.
🌊 Large Bodies of Water and Climate: How Oceans and Lakes Shape Weather
Students learn how oceans, seas, and lakes moderate temperatures, increase humidity, and influence precipitation. This passage introduces how water acts as a climate buffer—explaining concepts like coastal mildness and ocean currents such as the Gulf Stream.
👉 Click here to read the passage on how large bodies of water influence climate.
🏔 Elevation and Climate: How Height Above Sea Level Shapes Weather
Higher elevations mean lower temperatures and unique weather conditions. This passage explains how elevation affects climate through decreasing temperature (lapse rate), solar radiation, and precipitation changes, including the rain shadow effect.
👉 Click here to read the passage on how elevation shapes climate and weather.
⛰ Mountain Ranges and Climate: How Mountains Shape Weather Patterns
Mountains can block wind, create rain shadows, and form microclimates. Students will discover how major mountain ranges influence climate in surrounding regions through wind patterns and precipitation.
👉 Click here to read the passage on how mountain ranges impact climate patterns.
🌿 Vegetation: How Plants Shape Weather and the Environment
Forests and vegetation affect climate by regulating temperature, increasing humidity, and supporting rainfall. This passage helps students understand the role of plant life in the water cycle, erosion control, and environmental stability.
👉 Click here to read the passage on how vegetation plays a role in climate and weather.
These passages are ideal for introducing the main idea of how natural systems affect climate, with built-in vocabulary support and comprehension questions to reinforce learning. Whether you’re preparing a unit on climate factors or looking for high-quality science reading material, these resources will spark curiosity and deepen understanding.
Check out our full collection of science reading passages designed to support the Next Generation Science Standards.
[Explore more NGSS-aligned passages »]
