Basic 2 · Our World and Our People · The Environment and the Weather
Elements of Weather
In this topic you will learn the elements that make up the weather.
By the end of these notes you should be able to:
- Name the elements of weather
- Use weather symbols
- Record the weather each day
What you already know
- Weather (Basic 1)
Copy everything that has a blue line on its left into your notebook. The other parts are for reading.
- Strand
- All About Us
- Sub-strand
- The Environment and the Weather
- Indicator
- B2.2.1.2.1 – Explain the elements of weather
Introduction
The weather report says, "Today will be sunny and hot, with some wind in the evening." Sunshine, heat and wind are elements of weather.
1. Elements of Weather
| Element | What it means |
|---|---|
| sunshine | how much the sun shines |
| temperature | how hot or cold it is |
| rainfall | how much rain falls |
| wind | moving air |
| clouds | water drops in the sky |
| humidity | how wet or damp the air feels |
2. Weather Symbols
3. Measuring Rain
A rain gauge collects rain. We measure how much fell.
Remember: Precipitation is water that falls from the sky, like rain.
New words
- element
- One part of something.
- temperature
- How hot or cold it is.
- precipitation
- Water falling from the sky, such as rain.
- humidity
- How damp the air is.
Summary
- Weather is made of sunshine, temperature, rainfall, wind, clouds and humidity.
- We use symbols to record weather.
- A rain gauge measures rainfall.
Class activity: Weather Chart
- Look outside each morning this week.
- Draw the weather symbol on the class chart.
- Check the rain gauge after rain.
You need: Printed photographs of Ghanaian weather conditions, Simple rain gauge, Locally made clay globe
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. Which element tells how hot it is?
- A. Temperature
- B. Wind
- C. Clouds
- D. Rainfall
Show answer
Answer: TemperatureTemperature means hot or cold.2. What measures rainfall?
- A. Rain gauge
- B. Clock
- C. Ruler
- D. Thermometer
Show answer
Answer: Rain gaugeIt collects rain.3. Wind is moving air.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueThat is wind.4. Humidity tells how many clouds there are.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: FalseHumidity is how damp the air is.5. Water falling from the sky is called ______.
Show answer
Answer: precipitationRain is precipitation.6. Name three elements of weather.
Show answer
Answer: Any three: sunshine, temperature, rainfall, wind, clouds, humidity.These make up weather.
Homework
- Record the weather at home for five days using symbols.