Grade 2
The Human Knowledge Project
Unit 12 — Earth and Weather
Welcome back!
Every day we experience the world around us.
We see clouds moving across the sky.
We feel the warmth of the Sun.
We hear the wind blowing through the trees.
Today we will learn more about Earth and the weather that changes from day to day.
Our Amazing Planet
Earth is our home.
It is the third planet from the Sun.
Earth has:
- continents
- oceans
- mountains
- rivers
- lakes
- forests
- deserts
Earth is the only planet we know that supports life.
Land and Water
About three-fourths of Earth's surface is covered by water.
The rest is land.
Land includes:
- mountains
- hills
- valleys
- plains
- forests
Water includes:
- oceans
- lakes
- rivers
- streams
- ponds
Both land and water provide homes for many living things.
The Air Around Us
Earth is surrounded by a layer of air called the atmosphere.
The atmosphere:
- contains the oxygen we breathe
- helps keep Earth warm
- protects us from harmful sunlight
- creates weather
Although we cannot usually see air, it is always around us.
What Is Weather?
Weather describes the conditions of the atmosphere at a particular place and time.
Weather can be:
- sunny
- cloudy
- rainy
- snowy
- windy
- foggy
- stormy
Weather changes from day to day and sometimes from hour to hour.
Seasons
Earth has four seasons.
- Spring
- Summer
- Autumn (Fall)
- Winter
Each season has its own weather patterns.
The seasons happen because Earth travels around the Sun while tilted on its axis.
Severe Weather
Most weather is gentle.
Sometimes weather becomes severe.
Examples include:
- thunderstorms
- heavy snow
- strong winds
- hurricanes
- tornadoes
- floods
Listening to weather forecasts helps keep people safe.
Caring for Earth
We can all help care for our planet.
Some ways include:
- recycling
- planting trees
- conserving water
- reducing litter
- protecting wildlife
- saving energy
Small actions by many people can make a big difference.
Activity
Keep a weather journal for one week.
Each day record:
- temperature (warm or cool)
- cloud cover
- wind
- rain or snow
- anything unusual you notice
At the end of the week, compare your observations.
Did the weather change every day?
Practice
Answer these questions.
What planet do we live on?
Name three kinds of land.
Name three kinds of water.
What is the atmosphere?
Name the four seasons.
How can you help care for Earth?
Review
Today you learned:
- Earth contains many different landforms and bodies of water
- the atmosphere surrounds Earth
- weather changes frequently
- Earth experiences four seasons
- everyone can help care for our planet
Understanding Earth helps us appreciate the amazing world we all share.
Looking Ahead
Next we will begin Social Studies by exploring maps and geography.
We will learn how maps help us understand places, directions, and the world around us.