Overview: Climate Change

Climate describes the long-term average of conditions in the atmosphere and ocean at the same geographic locations over long periods of time. The Earth’s tilt and its rotation around the sun, volcanic eruptions, the chemical composition of the atmosphere, and large-scale global patterns of the transfer of heat energy from the sun play significant roles in defining area climates. Before understanding climate, one must understand day-to-day weather. In Lesson 1, students think about and describe their local weather and Hawai‘i’s climate. They imagine a conversation with friends planning their first trip to the islands and wanting to know about Hawai‘i’s weather and climate and ultimately discuss how weather and climate influence the way people live in Hawai‘i. Additionally, students will observe how the Earth’s rotation and tilt on its axis cause day and night while influencing seasonal changes.