1. Earth’s Weather
by Denise Carroll

2. Changes in Weather Weather is what the air is like outside.
Weather can be warm or cool.
Weather can be sunny, windy, or cloudy.
Weather can change quickly.
There are four seasons during the year.

3. The Four Seasons 1. Spring begins in March.
The air is warm, windy, and rainy.
Trees begin to grow new leaves and flowers.
Warm air and rain helps plants grow new leaves and flowers.

4. The Four Seasons 2. Summer begins in June. The days are hot and sunny.
This is the warmest time of the year.
Leaves are green on trees.
Storms can make the weather change quickly.

5. The Four Seasons 3. Fall or Autumn begins in September.
The air begins to get cooler.
The leaves of some trees change colors and drop off.
Some plants die.

6. The Four Seasons 4. Winter begins in December. The air is cold.
Some places have snow.
Winter is the coldest time of the year.
Many trees have lost their leaves.

7. The Water Cycle
A water cycle is the way water moves from the air to land and back again.

8. Condensation
The water vapor rises into the air, cools, and condenses into tiny droplets of water.
The drops of water come together to form clouds.
Water Cycle
Precipitation
Evaporation is when a liquid changes to a gas.
The water drops become heavy and fall as rain, sleet, snow, or hail.
The sun’s heat makes water evaporate into water vapor.
The rain falls or snow melts and flows to rivers, lakes, and oceans.

9. Meteorologists
Meteorologists are scientists who use special tools to measure, predict, and study weather conditions.

10. Measuring Weather Conditions
A thermometer measures temperature, or how hot or cold the air is.
A rain gauge measures how much rain or snow has fallen.
An anemometer measures how fast the wind is blowing.
A wind vane shows which direction the wind is blowing. It points to the direction the wind is coming from.

11. Think: Why do we need to know the weather conditions each day?

12. Measuring weather conditions helps people.
People will know how to dress when they go outside.
People can plan outdoor activities or vacations.
Scientists can tell people to get ready for bad weather or a big storm.
Measuring the weather conditions help scientists predict the weather.

13. Clouds Cumulus Cirrus Stratus
Clouds are made up of millions and millions of small water drops or tiny pieces of ice.
Clouds give us clues about how the weather may change.
We will learn about these three types of clouds.
Cumulus
Cirrus
Stratus

14. Cumulus
Cumulus means heap.  These clouds look big and puffy like balls of cotton.
When these clouds start piling up and turn dark, they can bring a storm.

15. Cirrus Cirrus means curl. These clouds are very high up in the sky.
They look thin or feathery and hold only a little bit of water.
We see these clouds when the weather is sunny.

16. Stratus
Stratus means stretched out.  These clouds make the whole sky look dark and gray because they cover the sky and block the sun.
Stratus are low, gray clouds that usually bring rain or snow.

17. Preparing for Weather
Always listen to the radio and television for weather bulletins.
Stock a good supply of food that does not have to be cooked.
Store plenty of fresh water.
Make sure you have flashlights and extra batteries, candles are not safe.
Be sure your pets are safe.
Secure loose objects outside your home.
Always be calm and patient.

18. Thunderstorms A thunderstorm has rain, thunder, and lightning.
When we see big, thick, dark cumulus clouds, we might expect thunder and lightning to come.
Lightning produces light and heat  - called energy.
When the air is heated that quickly, it expands (gets bigger) and then contracts (gets smaller).  When the air expands and contracts, it creates an explosion called THUNDER.
Lightning safety – Stay indoors away from doors and windows. Do not use the telephone. Take off head sets. Turn off, unplug, and stay away from appliances, computers, power tools, & TV sets.

19. Tornado A tornado is a funnel-shaped cloud that spins very fast.
It has very strong winds that can destroy many houses and buildings.
It picks up debris or buildings by its swirling winds.
Tornado safety – Stay inside away from windows, doors and outside walls. Cover your head and body to protect yourself from flying objects.

20. Hurricane
A hurricane begins over warm ocean waters and has winds that are more than 74 mph.
It has strong winds, high ocean waves, and lots of rain.
It causes floods and destroys many homes and buildings.
The hurricane season begins June 1 and ends November 30.
Stay indoors, in the center of your home, in a closet or bathroom without windows.

21. Blizzard A blizzard is a storm with heavy snow and strong winds.
It is difficult to see outside during a blizzard.
Blizzard Safety: Stay indoors. If you go outside after the storm, wear layers of clothing.

22. Congratulations
You have learned about the four seasons, the water cycle, three types of clouds, storms, and how to be prepared for weather.
You’re an expert weather watcher!
REMEMBER TO ALWAYS BE SAFE!

23. Resources http://images.search.yahoo.com