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Using common objects from their environment, students go on an interactive journey to learn about how the Earth is divided into different climatic zones. Learners will be able to identify and visualise the various climate zones of our world via practical experimentation and imaginative use of materials. Through this practice, their knowledge of geography is expanded, and they gain a better grasp of how these zones impact global climate patterns. Students will build a tangible and memorable understanding of temperate zones by actively participating in the building of a model Earth, which will deepen their knowledge of the variety of habitats that make up our planet.
This activity requires simple crafting skills, following a sequence of steps that are appropriate for upper elementary school students. The activity combines hands-on learning with visual and spatial understanding.It also introduces a basic understanding of geographical concepts, and fosters appreciation for the diversity of Earth's environments applying geographical concepts critically to understand real-world issues.
By the end of this activity, students will be able to:
The Earth is divided into several temperature zones, mostly depending on latitude. These regions have different climate conditions due to their closeness to the equator and poles.
Tropical Zone
Located between the Tropics of Cancer (23.5°N latitude) and Capricorn (23.5°S latitude), this zone has warm weather all year, with temperatures rarely dipping below 18°C (64°F). The abundance of sunlight throughout the year contributes to the constantly warm temperatures.
Temperate Zones
These zones exist between the tropics and the polar circles, extending from the Tropic of Cancer to the Arctic Circle in the Northern Hemisphere and from the Tropic of Capricorn to the Antarctic Circle in the Southern Hemisphere. The temperate zone has four distinct seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Temperatures in these zones may vary widely throughout the year.
Polar Zones
The polar zones, which extend from the Arctic Circle to the North Pole in the Northern Hemisphere and from the Antarctic Circle to the South Pole in the Southern Hemisphere, have cold temperatures all year. During the summer, the sun may not set for several months (known as the "Midnight Sun"), and in the winter, it may not rise at all, resulting in polar night.
The Poles
The North Pole is located in the midst of the Arctic Ocean, surrounded by fluctuating sea ice. It is colder than the South Pole due to height and land-sea distribution.
The South Pole is located on the continent of Antarctica and is 2,835 metres (9,306 feet) above sea level, making it far colder than the North Pole. The Antarctic Ice Sheet, Earth's greatest single mass of ice, covers the South Pole.
Climate Impact
The distribution of temperature zones has a substantial impact on global climate patterns, biodiversity, and human societies. Temperate zones, for example, are ideal for agriculture due to their moderate climate, but polar zones are critical for controlling Earth's temperature and serve as sensitive indicators of climate change.
Understanding these temperature areas and their features gives a foundational understanding of Earth's diverse climate system, generating a greater appreciation for our planet's complexity and the significance of environmental stewardship.
The activity consists of introducing the division of the Earth into climatic zones through the creation of a simple hands-on tactile model.After introducing the concept of meridians and parallels, imaginary lines that allow you to create a kind of map on the Earth globe, we build the model to characterize the key reference points (poles, polar circles, tropics and equator).
STEP 1 Define North and South Pole
STEP 2 Geographical Meridian and Equator
STEP 3 Define the Tropics and the Artic Circles
And there you have it! You've just made the Earth's special lines and zones on your model!
Compare your model with the image of the Earth Climatic zones. You can use the model not only to barely introduce them, but also to discuss about the main characteristics of each zone (main temperature, climate, habitat, biodiversity).
The evaluation of the activity's various components can be approached as follows:
Show and Tell:
Map It Out Game:
Reflection
This activity also offers an excellent opportunity to educate visually impaired children about Earth's temperate regions.
