Precipitation Patterns Around the Globe

Students apply their knowledge of the water cycle to investigate how annual precipitation patterns are related to geography and biology. 

Context for Use

Project EXTREMES lessons were intended to be stand alone lessons.

Rain cloud

Rain Cloud. Photo credit: State Farm

Goals Header
What Students Will Do

  • Students analyze monthly precipitation and temperature records.
  • Students connect the types of plants and animals that live in a location based on the precipitation received by that location.

Materials

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Description

Students investigate precipitation patterns across the globe.

  • Part 1 – Engage (15 minutes) Introducing The Water Cycle 

Students are reminded of the components of the water cycle, and then turn their attention to the different forms of precipitation.

  • Part 2 – Explore & Explain (30 minutes) Analyzing Precipitation and Temperature Patterns

Students analyze temperature and precipitation data to determine the locations from which the data was collected. They connect this data to the types of plants and animals found in those locations. 

  • Part 3 – Extend (30 minutes) The Water Cycle Around the World
Illustration of two people high-fiving in a work environment

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