📚 Topic Summary
A weather map is a snapshot of atmospheric conditions at a specific time across a geographic area. These maps use symbols and colors to represent different weather elements, such as temperature, pressure, wind, and precipitation. Analyzing weather maps helps meteorologists and the general public understand current weather patterns and predict future weather conditions. For Grade 7 students, learning to interpret these maps builds a foundation for understanding more complex weather phenomena.
By understanding high and low-pressure systems, fronts, and isobars, you can make informed predictions about your local weather. This hands-on activity will guide you through the essential elements of a US weather map. Let's get started!
🌡️ Part A: Vocabulary
Match the terms with their definitions:
| Term |
Definition |
| 1. Isobar |
A. The boundary between two air masses with different temperatures and humidity. |
| 2. Front |
B. A line on a weather map connecting points of equal atmospheric pressure. |
| 3. High-Pressure System |
C. An area where the atmospheric pressure is greater than its surrounding environment; usually associated with clear skies and calm weather. |
| 4. Low-Pressure System |
D. An area where the atmospheric pressure is lower than its surrounding environment; often associated with cloudy skies and precipitation. |
| 5. Precipitation |
E. Any form of water, such as rain, snow, sleet, or hail, that falls from the atmosphere to the Earth's surface. |
✍️ Part B: Fill in the Blanks
Complete the following paragraph using the words provided: temperature, wind, fronts, pressure, isobars.
Weather maps use lines called _________ to connect areas with the same atmospheric _________. These lines help us identify high and low-pressure systems. _________ are boundaries between different air masses and can bring changes in _________ and _________ direction.
🤔 Part C: Critical Thinking
Imagine you see a weather map showing a cold front approaching your city. Describe what changes in weather you might expect to experience in the next 12-24 hours.