Refresher! How do we measure weather?

Microclimates Learning Objective: To understand the factors which affect weather in a small area Starter activity: Which is the coldest part of the play ground? Which is the warmest spot? Learning Outcomes: All – understand microclimates and why they can be different Most – to suggest how microclimates can impact upon plants. Some – start to plan your own investigation into microclimates

Microclimates Which area would be warmer and which colder? In pairs, use your post-it note to label one feature that would change the temperature. Why might this be? You might say that each area has its own microclimate! Objective: To understand the factors which affect weather in a small area

Can you define the term microclimate? A microclimate describes the climate of a small environment such as a town, forest or garden. Objective: To understand the factors which affect weather in a small area

Virtual Gardener Take about half a side and draw this into your book. Extension: Can you suggest a better position for the greenhouse? Why? Objective: To understand the factors which affect weather in a small area

Ideal growing conditions Pair Activity Plant Ideal growing conditions A This grass doesn’t need much sunlight but it does like to blow in the wind. B This young tree needs lots of sun to grow and needs protection from the wind until it establishes its roots. C This sunflower needs to kept very warm and out of the wind at all times D This bonsai tree likes to be out of direct sunlight and the wind. E These rushes are very thirsty and need lots of sunlight. F These daffodils need to be where there is lots of sunshine and the ground isn’t too wet. Objective: To understand the factors which affect weather in a small area

Virtual Gardener Extension: Can you suggest a better position for the greenhouse? Why? Objective: To understand the factors which affect weather in a small area

Plenary + Investigation Prep:   If you had been given the task of finding a suitable place for a school bench how would you investigate this? HINT: The ideal site will have the following characteristics: · Not too shady · Sheltered from wind · Warm

Plenary List the factors that affect microclimates Think of 3 places around school that are affected by these factors

Outcomes 3 Know that local features can affect eg temperature 4 Know that local features can affect a range of variables 5 Understand how local features affect variables 6 Appreciate how microclimate affects our lives Objective: To understand the factors which affect weather in a small area