Modeling Weather Patterns and the Coriolis Effect
Provided by: NASA|Published on: February 10, 2026
Grades: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Type: Lesson Plans
Subjects: Earth and Space Sciences, Mathematics
Authors: NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Region: Polar Regions
Languages: English
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Synopsis
- In this lesson from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, students will learn how scientists use advantageous wind patterns in the South Pole for launching balloon-based missions.
- Students will chart these wind patterns and low- and high-pressure systems, graph the estimated projection of NASA’s ASTHROS launch, and demonstrate their understanding of pressure differences.
Teaching Materials
Positives
- Students will enjoy the balloon demonstration, and this familiar object will help them connect new learning to their pre-existing background knowledge.
- The worksheet uses a variety of images to assist students with understanding the questions.
Prerequisites
- Younger students may need teachers to explain clockwise vs. counter-clockwise.
Differentiation & Implementation
- Younger students may benefit from going through the worksheet as a class, possibly using a think-pair-share strategy for each question.
- Early finishers can take time to look at the ASTHROS mission page.
- Teachers can use this lesson to discuss how climate change may impact wind patterns and how wind patterns are important for understanding the best ways to harness wind energy.
This lesson teaches students about the forces associated with wind, with a focus on the Coriolis force. These forces are an essential part of understanding why wind blows the direction it does on the Earth, which in turn explains why our weather travels the way it does. More information about weather balloons can be found from the National Weather Service, who launch balloons across the country twice a day. The information presented is accurate, and this resource is recommended for teaching.
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
Scientist Reviewed
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