WINDS

WIND LESSON

Directions:

Print the Winds reading comprehension passage and questions (see below).

Students should read the passage silently, then answer the questions.  Teachers may also use the text as part of a classroom lesson plan.

Lesson Excerpt

  Winds are caused by differences in temperature and air pressure.  When there is a difference in pressure between two air masses, movement begins between them.  The air moves from the area of high pressure to the area of low pressure until the pressure is equal.  The greater the differences in pressure, the stronger the wind will be. 

          The earth doesn't heat evenly.  Some places on earth are warmer than others.  The sun shines more directly on the equator than it does on the poles.  This makes the equator much warmer.  Warm air rises.  Cold, denser (or heavier) air moves in from below to take its place. Cool air sinks.  In addition, the earth spins.  This spinning causes air to be turned in the direction of the spin. 

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