Contextualization

We've all heard about the weather on several occasions, whether when we're planning our clothes for the day or when we're planning a trip. The weather is a key element that influences all aspects of our lives, from agriculture to fashion and tourism. However, have you ever wondered what the weather is and what factors influence it?

Weather can be defined as the average atmospheric condition in a specific place over a period of time. Unlike the weather, which refers to the atmospheric condition in a short period, the weather gives us a long-term view. The weather is formed by several elements that interact with each other such as temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure, wind, and precipitation. Each of these elements plays a fundamental role in defining the climate of a region and consequently influences life, economy, and even local culture.

Geography, as a discipline, allows us to understand and analyze how these elements interact to shape the climate. It also helps us understand how these elements impact our daily life, as well as the overall health of the planet. However, to understand the whole thing, it's necessary to collaborate with other disciplines such as Physics and Chemistry, which allow us to deepen our understanding of atmospheric systems and the natural phenomena that affect the weather.

Climate change is an emerging global reality, and understanding the elements that make up the climate is of paramount importance to understanding these changes. Knowledge of these elements allows us to better understand climate change and its relevance, as well as contribute to ways to mitigate it.

To deepen your knowledge on this subject and better understand the elements of climate, we recommend the following resources:

• “Geography: studies for understanding geographic space” by SENE, Eustáquio. Publisher Scipione.
• The website of the National Institute for Space Research (INPE) which contains a vast amount of information and data on the climate in Brazil.
• The Youtube Channel “Geography to the Letter” has several explanatory videos on climate elements and other geographic topics.
• The MEC Teacher Portal offers several classes and pedagogical materials on climate that can help you understand the topic.

Practical Activity: Homemade Weather Station

Project Goal

• Understand the elements that make up the weather (temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure, wind, and precipitation) and how they relate to each other.
• Relate theoretical knowledge to reality by practicing knowledge of Physics and Chemistry.
• Develop teamwork, time management, proactivity, and communication.

Detailed Description of the Project

The groups will build a homemade weather station and make daily observations for 3 weeks. During this period, they will collect data from different elements of the weather and make comparative analyzes of this data. Each group will be responsible for creating a “Climate Diary”, where they will record their observations, data analysis, and conclusions.

Required Materials

• Thermometer
• Barometer
• Rain gauge
• Anemometer
• Hygrometer
• Notepad

Detailed Step-by-Step

1. Research and understand what weather elements each weather instrument measures.
2. Build your homemade weather station. If some instrument is not available, research how to create homemade versions of them.
3. Collect and record the data provided by the weather station daily for 3 weeks.
4. Analyze the collected data, looking for patterns and variations between the weather elements.
5. Research how these patterns and variations affect life and human activities, as well as the local flora and fauna.
6. Produce the “Climate Diary” where the students should write the data collected, their observations, and analyzes.

Project Deliverables

Complementing the practical activities, the students will produce a climate report in the format of a “Climate Diary”. They should make sure the document presents:

• Introduction: A clear explanation of what the weather is, the elements that make it up, and its relevance and application in the real world. The purpose and relevance of the project should also be presented.
• Development: A detailed description of how the weather station was assembled, the methodology used to collect and organize the data. A graphical representation of the data collected, the analysis of this data, and the explanation of the patterns and variations found. In addition, they should relate this information to the activities and human life in the place, as well as the influence on the local flora and fauna.
• Conclusion: The main points worked on should be revisited, the lessons learned, and the conclusions about the project.
• Bibliography: Insert all sources consulted for project execution, from the construction of the weather station to the data analysis.

The project will last approximately 3 weeks, with 3 to 5 students per group.