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Geography

Microclimate Hunt

Overview

Students investigate how temperature, wind, and shade differ around the school.

Learning Objective
Students understand that climate can vary over short distances.

Resources needed

  • Nothing (or a simple recording sheet)

Lesson stages

0 / 7 done
  1. 1 Visit three different spots around the school (sunny wall, shaded corner, open field).
  2. 2 At each spot, note: is it warm or cool? Windy or still? Light or shaded?
  3. 3 Record observations.
  4. 4 Return to class and compare results.
  5. 5 Discuss why conditions differ across such a short distance.
  6. 6 Introduce the term microclimate.
  7. 7 Relate to how plants and animals choose their habitats.

Tap a step to mark it as done.

Variations

  • Add a fourth location inside a building.
  • Repeat at different times of day.
More information

Teach microclimate, temperature, shade, wind, humid.

Focus on just two contrasting spots.

Can students describe how two locations differ in climate and suggest why?

Observation only. Body senses (feel wind, notice shade) are sufficient. No thermometers needed.

Students may think the whole school has the same climate. The discovery that a wall can be noticeably warmer than an open area is often surprising and memorable.

Good introduction to fieldwork methodology and climate study.

Activity details
Primary Medium 25–30 minutes no prep Pairs Outdoor
Topics
Climate Fieldwork