Weather – Basic 6 Basic Technology Lesson Note (Second Term)

Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

1. Identify and write simple weather symbols
2. Observe and record changes in climate over time
3. Use weather symbols to keep records
4. Explain global warming
5. Evaluate the effects of climate change on Earth

Content

Weather Symbols

Meteorologists use standardized symbols to represent weather conditions:

Weather Elements:

• Temperature (°C)
• Humidity (%)
• Air Pressure (mb/kPa)
• Wind Speed (km/h)
• Wind Direction (compass points)
• Precipitation (mm)
• Cloud Cover (oktas)

Weather Records

Tools for Measurement:

• Thermometer (temperature)

• Barometer (air pressure)

• Hygrometer (humidity)

• Anemometer (wind speed)

• Wind vane (wind direction)

• Rain gauge (rainfall)

Creating Weather Records: Daily observations should include:

• Date and time
• Temperature readings
• Sky conditions
• Wind information
• Rainfall amount
• Special events

Climate vs Weather:

• Weather: Short-term (daily changes)
• Climate: Long-term (30+ years average)

Nigeria’s Climate:

• Tropical with two seasons
• Rainy: March/April – October
• Dry: November – March
• Temperature: 25°C – 35°C

Global Warming

Definition: Gradual increase in Earth’s average surface temperature due to greenhouse gases.

Causes:

1. Greenhouse gas emissions (CO₂, CH₄, N₂O)
2. Deforestation
3. Industrial activities
4. Vehicle emissions
5. Agricultural practices

Effects of Climate Change:

1. Rising Temperatures 
   1. Hotter summers
   2. Heat waves
   3. Droughts
2. Melting Ice 
   1. Arctic/Antarctic ice loss
   2. Glacier retreat
   3. Habitat loss
3. Rising Sea Levels 
   1. Coastal flooding
   2. Island threats
   3. Saltwater intrusion
4. Extreme Weather 
   1. Stronger hurricanes
   2. Increased flooding
   3. Severe droughts
   4. Unpredictable rainfall
5. Ecosystem Disruption 
   1. Species extinction
   2. Coral bleaching
   3. Migration changes
   4. Agricultural shifts

Solutions:

• Reduce emissions
• Plant trees
• Use renewable energy
• Sustainable transport
• Reduce waste
• Energy efficiency