Earth’s Weather

1. Earth’s Weather by Denise Carroll

2. Changes in Weather • Weather is what the air is like outside. • Weather can be warm or cool. • Weather can be sunny, windy, or cloudy. • Weather can change quickly. • There are four seasons during the year.

3. The Four Seasons 1. Spring begins in March. • The air is warm, windy, and rainy. • Trees begin to grow new leaves and flowers. • Warm air and rain helps plants grow new leaves and flowers.

4. The Four Seasons 2. Summer begins in June. • The days are hot and sunny. • This is the warmest time of the year. • Leaves are green on trees. • Storms can make the weather change quickly.

5. The Four Seasons 3. Fall or Autumn begins in September. • The air begins to get cooler. • The leaves of some trees change colors and drop off. • Some plants die.

6. The Four Seasons 4. Winter begins in December. • The air is cold. • Some places have snow. • Winter is the coldest time of the year. • Many trees have lost their leaves.

7. The Water Cycle • A water cycle is the way water moves from the air to land and back again.

8. Condensation • The water vapor rises into the air, cools, and condenses into tiny droplets of water. • The drops of water come together to form clouds. The sun’s heat makes water evaporate intowater vapor. Water Cycle Precipitation Evaporation is when a liquid changes to a gas. The water drops become heavy and fall as rain, sleet, snow, or hail. The rain falls or snow melts and flows to rivers, lakes, and oceans.

9. Meteorologists • Meteorologists are scientists who use special tools to measure, predict, and study weather conditions.

10. Measuring Weather Conditions • A thermometer measures temperature, or how hot or cold the air is. • A rain gauge measures how much rain or snow has fallen. • An anemometer measures how fast the wind is blowing. • A wind vane shows which direction the wind is blowing. It points to the direction the wind is coming from.

11. Think:Why do we need to know the weather conditions each day?

12. Measuring weather conditions helps people. • People will know how to dress when they go outside. • People can plan outdoor activities or vacations. • Scientists can tell people to get ready for bad weather or a big storm. • Measuring the weather conditions help scientists predict the weather.

13. Clouds • Clouds are made up of millions and millions of small water drops or tiny pieces of ice. • Clouds give us clues about how the weather may change. • We will learn about these three types of clouds. • Cumulus • Cirrus • Stratus

14. Cumulus • Cumulus means heap.  These clouds look big and puffy like balls of cotton. • When these clouds start piling up and turn dark, they can bring a storm.

15. Cirrus • Cirrusmeans curl.  These clouds are very high up in the sky.  • They look thin or feathery and hold only a little bit of water. • We see these clouds when the weather is sunny.

16. Stratus • Stratus means stretched out.  These clouds make the whole sky look dark and gray because they cover the sky and block the sun. • Stratus are low, gray clouds that usually bring rain or snow.

17. Preparing for Weather • Always listen to the radio and television for weather bulletins. • Stock a good supply of food that does not have to be cooked. • Store plenty of fresh water. • Make sure you have flashlights and extra batteries, candles are not safe. • Be sure your pets are safe. • Secure loose objects outside your home. • Always be calm and patient.

18. Thunderstorms • A thunderstorm has rain, thunder, and lightning. • When we see big, thick, dark cumulus clouds, we might expect thunder and lightning to come. • Lightning produces light and heat  - called energy. • When the air is heated that quickly, it expands (gets bigger) and then contracts (gets smaller).  When the air expands and contracts, it creates an explosion called THUNDER. • Lightning safety – Stay indoors away from doors and windows. Do not use the telephone. Take off head sets. Turn off, unplug, and stay away from appliances, computers, power tools, & TV sets.

19. Tornado • A tornado is a funnel-shaped cloud that spins very fast. • It has very strong winds that can destroy many houses and buildings. • It picks up debris or buildings by its swirling winds. • Tornado safety – Stay inside away from windows, doors and outside walls. Cover your head and body to protect yourself from flying objects.

20. Hurricane • A hurricane begins over warm ocean waters and has winds that are more than 74 mph. • It has strong winds, high ocean waves, and lots of rain. • It causes floods and destroys many homes and buildings. • The hurricane season begins June 1 and ends November 30. • Stay indoors, in the center of your home, in a closet or bathroom without windows.

21. Blizzard • A blizzard is a storm with heavy snow and strong winds. • It is difficult to see outside during a blizzard. • Blizzard Safety: Stay indoors. If you go outside after the storm, wear layers of clothing.

22. Congratulations • You have learned about the four seasons, the water cycle, three types of clouds, storms, and how to be prepared for weather. • You’re an expert weather watcher! • REMEMBER TO ALWAYS BE SAFE!

23. Resources • http://images.search.yahoo.com • http://office.microsoft.com/clipart • http://soniacoleman.org/Tutorials/PowerPointTemplates/templates1.htm