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Weather Factors — Reading Comprehension

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MS-ESS2-5

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This comprehensive passage introduces middle school students to the main variables that determine weather: temperature, humidity, air pressure, wind, precipitation, and cloud cover. Students will learn not only what these factors are, but also how they interact to create weather through observable cause-and-effect relationships. The text models scientific thinking by explaining how weather data is collected and how scientists use this information to distinguish between weather and climate. Aligned to NGSS MS-ESS2-5, the passage supports students in meeting science standards about weather and climate systems. Glossary terms are highlighted for academic vocabulary development, and activities include a multiple-choice quiz, writing prompts, and graphic organizers. Audio integration and Spanish translations make this resource accessible for diverse learners. This lesson is ideal for classrooms seeking to build understanding of Earth's systems and the science behind everyday weather.

CONTENT PREVIEW

air-pressure-3 — Air pressure's role in weather patterns

Weather describes the short-term conditions in the atmosphere at a specific place and time. On a single day, people might experience sunny skies, heavy rain, or strong winds. Scientists study weather to predict events that can affect our safety, agriculture, and transportation. Several key factors work together to shape the weather we observe every day.

How Weather Factors Interact

The main variables that determine weather are temperature, humidity, air pressure, wind, precipitation, and cloud cover. Temperature measures how hot or cold the air is and is influenced by solar radiation, altitude, latitude, and whether the location is near oceans or land. For example, coastal cities usually have milder temperatures because water heats and cools more slowly than land. Humidity refers to the amount of water vapor in the air. Relative humidity is the percentage of water vapor present compared to the maximum possible at a given temperature. When air is saturated (100% relative humidity), clouds may form and lead to precipitation.

Air Pressure, Wind, and Precipitation

Air pressure is the force of air molecules pressing down on Earth’s surface. High-pressure systems are usually associated with clear, calm weather, while low-pressure systems can bring clouds and storms. Wind is the movement of air caused by differences in air pressure. Wind speed and direction are important because they move weather systems and affect temperature and humidity. Precipitation includes all forms of water—such as rain, snow, sleet, or hail—that fall from clouds to Earth. Cloud cover can also influence weather by blocking sunlight and cooling the ground, or by trapping heat at night.

Weather vs. Climate and Data Collection

Weather is different from climate. While weather describes conditions over hours or days, climate is the pattern of weather in a region over decades. Scientists gather weather data using instruments such as thermometers (for temperature), barometers (for air pressure), hygrometers (for humidity), rain gauges (for precipitation), anemometers (for wind speed), and advanced tools like weather balloons and satellites. Accurate data helps meteorologists build models to forecast weather and understand long-term climate trends.

Weather factors interact as part of Earth’s systems, causing complex chains of cause and effect. For instance, a drop in air pressure may signal an approaching storm, which brings wind and precipitation, changing local temperature and humidity. Understanding these interactions is crucial for predicting weather and preparing for natural events.

Interesting Fact: The highest temperature ever recorded on Earth was 56.7°C (134°F) in Death Valley, California, in 1913!

Which of the following is NOT a main weather factor described in the passage?

MagnetismTemperatureHumidityWind

What tool do scientists use to measure air pressure?

BarometerThermometerAnemometerRain Gauge

What does 'precipitation' mean in the context of weather?

Any form of water that falls from cloudsThe amount of sunlight a place receivesThe speed of the windThe amount of dust in the air

Which statement best describes the difference between weather and climate?

Weather is about short-term conditions; climate is long-term patterns.Weather and climate mean the exact same thing.Climate changes every day; weather is always the same.Weather happens over years; climate changes in hours.

What causes wind, according to the passage?

Differences in air pressureCloud coverThe moon's gravityMagnetism

What does the word 'variables' mean as used in the passage?

Things that can change, like temperature or humidityOnly one thing that never changesA kind of weather toolA type of precipitation

Why are coastal cities usually milder in temperature than inland cities?

Water heats and cools more slowly than land.There is less wind near the coast.Cloud cover is never present.Air pressure is always higher.

What is one effect of low air pressure mentioned in the passage?

Clouds and storms may form.The weather is always clear.Humidity drops to zero.Temperatures always rise.

True or False: Relative humidity is the maximum amount of water vapor air can hold.

TrueFalse

True or False: Weather balloons and satellites are used to collect weather data.

TrueFalse