Learning Targets:

  • I can identify the major types of air masses that affect the weather in North America, and describe how they move
  • I can name the main types of fronts
  • I can explain the type of weather that is associated with cyclones and anticyclones
  • I can list the main kinds of storms, and explain how they form
  • I can describe measures that can be taken to ensure safety in a storm
  • I can explain how weather forecasters predict the weather
  • I can explain how technology has helped improve weather forecasts
  • I can describe what can be learned from information shown on weather maps

Weather:  The Chaos Which Surrounds Us

Weather: The Chaos Which Surrounds Us Aims Multimedia,  1996 . Full Video.
Discovery Education. Web. 28 October 2012. <http://www.discoveryeducation.com/>.

Air Masses & Fronts Explained:

Click on the image to the left to head to Study Jams! and learn more about air masses and fronts.  This short video gives a good visual explanation of these important weather factors.

Assignment: Classifying Fronts

At home, watch the weather forecast on television.  Make a note of each time the weather reporter mentions a front.  Classify the fronts mentioned or shown as cold, warm, stationary or occluded.  What type of weather is predicted to occur when the front arrives?  Note the specific weather conditions, such as temperature and air pressure, associated with the front.    Complete the assignment here to explain your findings:

    Classifying Fronts