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Science Launch G3 / Week 11 / Launch Lab
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Week 11 · Climates of the World

Launch Lab

Launch Lab: Climate Packing Challenge
// Why different places have different usual weather
⏱ about 15 min

Launch Lab: Climate Packing Challenge

Rocket packs a suitcase for a pretend trip. In go sandals, a parka and a snorkel.

Raven giggles. "Where are you going? What do you notice about that mix?"

Nova hovers over the suitcase. "Pick one place first," she says. "Then let its climate choose your clothes."

Rocket picks Barrow. Out go the sandals.

  1. Weather is what the air is like now. Climate is the usual weather over many years.
  2. Places near the equator get strong, straight sunlight. They are warm.
  3. Places near the poles get weak, slanted sunlight. They are cold.
  4. Some places get lots of rain. Others get very little.
  5. Scientists sort climates into five types: tropical, dry, temperate, continental and polar.
◇ PACK FOR A CLIMATE
Each person picks one place from this week.
Look back at its temperatures and its rain.
Find five things at home to pack for a July visit.
Lay them out. Explain why each one fits the climate.
Trade places and pack for January.
Put everything back when you finish.
Safety first
Ask before you take things from closets or drawers.
Keep walkways clear so no one trips.
For a grown-up
Ask: what did you notice? What would you change?
Ask: what would you pack for our own town in January?
LAUNCH LAB CHECK
  • Read the question.
  • Tap your answer.
What should Rocket pack for Hilo, Hawaii?
The usual weather over many years is ____.
Places near the equator are usually ____.
Phoenix has a ____ climate.
PACKING THINKING
  • Read the question.
  • Tap your answer.
What should you pack for Barrow in January?
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