Climate vs Weather Activity for 5th Grade

By the time students reach 5th grade, they probably have a pretty good understanding of the weather. Your students can probably list different types of weather and maybe even how the weather varies by location. But… do they know the difference between weather and climate? The term “climate” is probably a relatively new term for them as they dive into their Earth Sciences studies.

Teach Starter has developed a set of 24 task cards to help your students understand the differences between weather and climate. This resource includes 4 types of activity cards which include: 

• Weather or Climate 
• Multiple Choice
• Written Response
• Creative Response

Students will read the cards and complete the activities. Answers can be recorded on the provided recording sheet, and any creating activities can be attached with another piece of paper.

Tips for Differentiation + Scaffolding 

A team of dedicated, experienced educators created this resource to support your science lessons.

In addition to individual student work time, use this set of task cards to enhance learning through small groups, whole class lessons, or remote learning assignments. 

If you have a mixture of above and below-level learners, check out these suggestions for keeping students on track with the concepts: 

🆘 Support Struggling Students

Teachers can assign specific cards or a specified number of cards to be completed based on the needs of their students, as some require more in-depth knowledge or research than others.

➕ Challenge Fast Finishers

Teachers can assign specific creative or written response cards based on the needs of their students, as some require more in-depth knowledge or research than others.

👋 Exit Ticket 

Use these cards as a formative assessment after your lesson. Pick a random assortment of cards and project them on the board for the whole class to see. Students can record their answers on a sheet of paper, sticky note, or their notebook. 

Easily Prepare This Resource for Your Students

Use the dropdown icon on the Download button to choose between the PDF or editable Google Slides version of this resource. A recording sheet and answer key are also included with this download.

Print on cardstock for added durability and longevity. Place all pieces in a folder or large envelope for easy access. 

To keep the task cards out of pockets or under desks, punch a hole in the corner of each to place them on a binder ring. 

Sustainability Tip: Print a few recording sheets on cardstock and slip them into dry-erase sleeves. Students can record their answers with a whiteboard marker, then erase and reuse them.  

This resource was created by Stephanie Weinkauf, a teacher in New Mexico and a Teach Starter Collaborator. 

Don’t stop there! We’ve got more activities and resources that cut down on lesson planning time:

teaching resource

Weather Versus Climate Poster

A poster explaining the difference between weather and climate.

teaching resource

Climate Zones of the World – Poster Pack

Learn about different climate types with this set of 6 printable posters.

teaching resource

Climate Zone Map — Printable Classroom Resource

Print a climate zone map for the classroom to support lessons about the 6 climate types.