What is the difference between weather and climate? What can satellite images tell us about the weather?
Activities Discuss with pupils the difference between weather (here and now) and climate (averages over time) using atlas climate maps, and weather satellite images and forecasts for Europe. Using a ‘recent’ weather satellite image of Europe (visible or infrared) projected on to a whiteboard, ask pupils to describe what is shown, eg country outlines, shades of grey, different cloud patterns. ‘Draw in’ important features and annotate using a board marker. Mark in places on the image and discuss the cloud cover. Ask pupils to relate the image to the sky outside the classroom. How is the sky different seen from below and above? Why? Illustrate basic cloud types (cirrus, cumulus, stratus). Ask pupils to draw and annotate the cloud patterns on a prepared outline map of Europe. Repeat this activity at the start of each lesson, using an up-to-date image, to reinforce and build on understanding. Encourage pupils to assume greater autonomy in their recording. Eventually they should have a seque