Substrand: "8.4 Atmosphere, climate and weather" (8 periods)

This sub-strand deals with the atmosphere, climate and weather. The atmosphere is the thick layer of gases surrounding the earth. The atmosphere consists of four (4) layers- (troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere and ionosphere). Climate is the average weather for long period of time in a particular area or region. Weather is state of the atmosphere at particular place and time with respect to variables such as temperature, rainfall, moisture, wind speed and pressure.

Learner's should:

Learner's should:

Learner's should:

8.4.1 know that the space above the earth’s surface is the atmosphere (k)

8.4.1.1 identify from a diagram the different layers of the atmosphere; troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere and ionosphere

8.4.2 know that the atmosphere consist of different gases (k)

8.4.2.1 identify the main gases in the different layers of the atmosphere; troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere and ionosphere

8.4.3 know that the troposphere contains essential gases for living organisms (k)

8.4.3.1 identify three essential gases for living organisms in the troposphere layer as; oxygen, carbon dioxide, nitrogen

8.4.4 understand that convection currents and expansion of gases cause atmospheric patterns (u)

8.4.4.1 explain land and sea breezes by reference to concepts of gas expansion, convection, and heating

8.4.5 know that the wind is a result of the air movement (k)

8.4.5.1 use a diagram to describe the pattern of air movement

8.4.6 know the development of tropical cyclone (k)

8.4.6.1 describe the formation of tropical cyclone and its pathway

8.4.7 understand the different climatic zones in the world (u)

8.4.7.1 explain on a world map different climatic zones caused by the patterns of heating and cooling of the earth’s surface

8.4.8 be able to measure different daily weather conditions (s)

8.4.8.1 measure the daily temperature, rainfall air pressure wind speed and moisture in your area and other areas

8.4.9 appreciate the significance of water and water cycle to plants and animals (a)

8.4.9.1 express the importance of water to you and other organisms
8.4.9.2 express the importance of water cycle