Unit Checkpoint: Weather & Climate
Instructions
This checkpoint tests everything you learned about weather and climate. Answer all questions to see how well you've mastered these concepts.
Questions
1. What is the difference between weather and climate?
A) There is no difference
B) Weather is long-term, climate is short-term
C) Weather is short-term conditions, climate is long-term patterns
D) Climate means hot, weather means cold
Answer
C) - Weather is day-to-day conditions; climate is average weather over many years.
2. Which tool measures how much rain has fallen?
A) Thermometer
B) Wind vane
C) Rain gauge
D) Anemometer
Answer
C) Rain gauge - A rain gauge collects and measures precipitation.
3. What causes the seasons on Earth?
A) Earth's distance from the sun
B) Earth's tilt as it orbits the sun
C) The moon's phases
D) Ocean currents
Answer
B) - Earth is tilted 23.5°, so different parts get more direct sunlight at different times.
4. Which climate zone is hot and wet all year, found near the equator?
A) Polar
B) Temperate
C) Tropical
D) Desert
Answer
C) Tropical - Tropical climates near the equator are warm and receive lots of rain.
5. What is precipitation?
A) Temperature
B) Wind speed
C) Water falling from clouds (rain, snow, sleet, hail)
D) Humidity
Answer
C) - Precipitation includes any water that falls from clouds to Earth's surface.
6. At what temperature does water freeze?
A) 100°F / 38°C
B) 32°F / 0°C
C) 50°F / 10°C
D) 212°F / 100°C
Answer
B) 32°F / 0°C - This is the freezing point of water.
7. A wind vane shows:
A) How fast the wind is blowing
B) Which direction the wind is coming from
C) The temperature
D) How much it rained
Answer
B) - A wind vane points in the direction the wind is blowing from.
8. How long must weather data be collected to determine climate?
A) 1 day
B) 1 week
C) 1 year
D) 30+ years
Answer
D) 30+ years - Climate is based on long-term weather patterns over decades.
9. Which statement describes weather?
A) The Amazon Rainforest is hot and wet
B) Antarctica is very cold
C) It is raining and 65°F today
D) Deserts receive little rain
Answer
C) - This describes current conditions on a specific day (weather).
10. Why do polar regions have cold climates?
A) They are closest to the sun
B) They receive less direct sunlight due to Earth's curve and tilt
C) There are no clouds there
D) The ocean makes them cold
Answer
B) - Sunlight hits polar regions at a low angle, spreading energy over a larger area.
How Did You Do?
- 9-10 correct: Excellent! You've mastered weather and climate!
- 7-8 correct: Good job! Review the questions you missed.
- 5-6 correct: Keep practicing! Review the lessons in this unit.
- Below 5: Go back and review all the lessons before moving on.
Next Steps
- Review any concepts you found challenging
- Continue tracking weather in your area
- Continue to the Forces & Motion unit