Climate Postcards

Lesson Plans

Grades3, 4, 5Science, English Language Arts, Mathematics

Scientist Reviewed

Provided by UCAR Center for Science Education

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What it is

In this lesson, students learn about Earth's many climate zones by interpreting data in graphs and identifying climate zones described in postcards.
Students will learn about the difference between weather and climate, the conditions of five different climate zones, and why variations in climate exist.

Teaching tips

Positives

This lesson allows students to work both individually and in groups or pairs.
The lesson plan includes introductory discussion questions on weather and climate, directions, background information, and optional additional exercises.

Additional Prerequisites

Students should understand averages and how to read graphs.
The map of climate zones should either be printed in color or projected for the class to see.
This lesson is expected to take 2-3 hours of class time to complete.

Differentiation

This lesson can also be used in math classes during lessons about creating and reading graphs.
Have students consider the impact of a changing climate on different climate zones and the plants, animals, and people living in them.
The lesson briefly introduces biomes, which can be expanded upon in science classes.
This interactive textbook lesson can be used to learn more about climate zones and biomes to supplement this lesson.

From the scientist review

This resource lets students understand the physical and living characteristics of places and compare the weather conditions and patterns in different climatic zones using the Köppen climate classification system. This is insightful and recommended for teaching.

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At a glance

Grades: 3, 4, 5
Subjects: Science, English Language Arts, Mathematics
Other types: Activity - Classroom, Worksheets
Format: PDF
Language: English, Spanish
Location: Earth
Provider: UCAR Center for Science Education
Authors: UCAR Center for Science Education
Published: November 8, 2022
Last updated: July 16, 2026
: Reviewed by our climate scientists How we review

Standards alignment · 3-ESS2-2. + 11 more

Core

Core Standards legacy

3-ESS2-2.3-ESS2-2. Obtain and combine information to describe climates in different regions of the world.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.3.7CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.3.7 Use information gained from illustrations (e.g., maps, photographs) and the words in a text to demonstrate understanding of the text (e.g., where, when, why, and how key events occur).
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.4.1CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.4.1 Refer to details and examples in a text when explaining what the text says explicitly and when drawing inferences from the text.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.4.7CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.4.7 Interpret information presented visually, orally, or quantitatively (e.g., in charts, graphs, diagrams, time lines, animations, or interactive elements on Web pages) and explain how the information contributes to an understanding of the text in which it appears.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.5.1CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.5.1 Quote accurately from a text when explaining what the text says explicitly and when drawing inferences from the text.
CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.3.MD.B.3CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.3.MD.B.3 Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with several categories. Solve one- and two-step "how many more" and "how many less" problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs. For example, draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets.

Wisconsin Climate Education Hub

Wisconsin Climate Education Hub Standards legacy

3-ESS2-2.3-ESS2-2. Obtain and combine information to describe climates in different regions of the world.
R.3.7R.3.7 Explain how specific illustrations or text features contribute to what is conveyed by the words in a text (e.g., create mood, emphasize character or setting, or determine where, when, why, and how key events occur). (RI&RL)
R.4.1R.4.1 Locate and refer to relevant details and evidence when explaining what a text says explicitly/implicitly and make logical inferences. (RI&RL)
R.4.7R.4.7 Explain how text features (e.g., charts, graphs, diagrams, timelines, animations, and illustrations) contribute to an understanding of the text. (RI&RL)
R.5.1R.5.1 Locate and refer to relevant details and evidence when explaining what a text says explicitly/implicitly and make logical inferences. (RI&RL)
M.3.MD.B.3M.3.MD.B.3 Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with several categories. Solve one- and two-step "how many more" and "how many less" problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs.

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