Sky Clues T Chart Worksheet
Sky Clues: Weather vs. Climate
Atmospheric Science Comparative Graphic Organizer
Name:
Date:
Period:
The Wardrobe Rule: Climate tells you what clothes to keep in your closet; weather tells you what to wear today!
Key Concept
Part 1: Comparative Analysis
Complete each category using observations and notes
Weather Right Now
Climate Long Term
1. Scientific Definition & Guiding Question Answered
What is happening in the atmosphere right now?
What are the long-term regional patterns?
2. Time Frame & Rate of Change
Observation period (minutes, days, seasons) & how quickly it changes:
Observation period (minimum years needed) & stability of patterns:
3. Clue Words & Common Vocabulary
List 4 clue words (e.g., forecast, storm, today, temperature):
List 4 clue words (e.g., average, arid, tropical, decades):
4. Scientists, Measurement Tools & Local Example
Scientist title, key tools & one real example from this week:
Scientist title, historical tools & one example for our region:
Part 2: Scenario Detective (Classify W or C)
Write W for Weather or C for Climate in each box
"It rained 2.5 inches in Seattle this morning, causing slick roads."
"The Sahara Desert receives an average of less than 3 inches of rain per year."
"A sudden thunderstorm warning was issued for Miami at 3:15 PM."
"Southern Florida has warm, humid summers and mild winters year after year."
"Tomorrow's forecast calls for high humidity and 74°F with clear skies."
"Over the last century, average global ocean temperatures have gradually risen."
Climatologist Challenge: A friend says: "It's freezing outside today, so Earth's climate can't be warming!" Why is this reasoning incorrect?
