In this interactive textbook lesson, students will learn that continental climates occur in inland regions that are far enough from the oceans that they do not influence the climate and are found between 40 and 70 degrees latitude.
Students will compare the temperature and precipitation differences between humid and subarctic continental climates and how these influence vegetation.
Teaching Tips
Positives
Students can work at their own pace through this self-guided textbook lesson, interacting with useful videos and questions throughout.
Figures and graphics are included to illustrate the text.
Students can check their understanding by taking an interactive quiz at the end of the lesson.
Additional Prerequisites
Students should be familiar with the concept of regions of the Earth having climate conditions different from what they experience.
Students will need to sign in to use some of the interactive features.
The video at the end of the lesson is an audio file with one image of a map accompanying the audio. Some students may have a hard time focusing on just listening to the audio, so turning on subtitles may help.
Differentiation
Teachers could make simple graphic organizers for students to visualize the similarities and differences between the types of continental climates.
Social studies classes could discuss how the climate in continental climates impacts other aspects of life and society in those regions.
Scientist Notes
Continental climates occur mostly in the Northern Hemisphere between lat 40-70 degrees. Students will gain insights into the various forms of continental climates and their influence on vegetation. This is recommended for teaching.
Standards
Science
ESS2: Earth's Systems
6.ESS2.5 Collect data to provide evidence for how the motions and complex interactions of air masses result in changes in weather conditions.
