Life Boot Camp
5.8A
Differentiate between weather and
climate.
STAAR 2013 #37; RC 3; Supporting
1. Which of these described climate rather than weather?
A. Wind speed is changing as storm moves through an area.
B. The temperature is decreasing in a slow-moving cold front.
C. Annual high temperatures in the summer have increased over
many decades.
D. The rainfall during one year was greater than the rainfall
during the following year.
STAAR 2013 #37; RC 3; Supporting
1. Which of these described climate rather than weather?
A. Wind speed is changing as storm moves through an area.
B. The temperature is decreasing in a slow-moving cold front.
C. Annual high temperatures in the summer have increased over
many decades.
D. The rainfall during one year was greater than the rainfall
during the following year.
TAKS Study Guide, #33
2. One reason that trees
rarely grow at the top of
high mountains is that
high mountain peaks —
A are usually covered by
thick grasses
B are home to many
grazing animals
C tend to be very cold for
most of the year
D often receive a large
amount of rainfall
TAKS Study Guide, #33
2. One reason that trees
rarely grow at the top of
high mountains is that
high mountain peaks —
A are usually covered by
thick grasses
B are home to many
grazing animals
C tend to be very cold for
most of the year
D often receive a large
amount of rainfall
3. Which of the following has the greatest
influence on the temperature of a land area?
A
B
C
D
The amount of organic material in the soil
The amount of clouds over the region
The amount of solar energy received daily
The distance of the area from an ocean
3. Which of the following has the greatest
influence on the temperature of a land area?
A
B
C
D
The amount of organic material in the soil
The amount of clouds over the region
The amount of solar energy received daily
The distance of the area from an ocean
4. Which of the following statements BEST explains
why the climate is warmer at the equator than at
the North Pole?
A The equator has a larger surface area than the
North Pole.
B The equator is closer to the Sun than the North
Pole.
C The equator receives more direct sunlight than
the North Pole.
D The equator has more hours of daylight per year
than the North Pole.
4. Which of the following statements BEST explains
why the climate is warmer at the equator than at
the North Pole?
A The equator has a larger surface area than the
North Pole.
B The equator is closer to the Sun than the North
Pole.
C The equator receives more direct sunlight than
the North Pole.
D The equator has more hours of daylight per year
than the North Pole.
5. The condition of the atmosphere over a
short period of time is called—
A
B
C
D
climate
pressure
humidity
weather
5. The condition of the atmosphere over a
short period of time is called—
A
B
C
D
climate
pressure
humidity
weather
6. Climate is—
A the condition of the atmosphere outside at any given
time
B the average of all weather conditions in an area over
a long period of time.
C the continuous movement of water between the air,
land, and water.
D a measure of how hot or cold the air is.
6. Climate is—
A the condition of the atmosphere outside at any given
time
B the average of all weather conditions in an area over
a long period of time.
C the continuous movement of water between the air,
land, and water.
D a measure of how hot or cold the air is.
7. Clouds, rain, air temperature, and wind are all part
of the Earth’s—
A
B
C
D
atmosphere
hemisphere
weather
rotation
7. Clouds, rain, air temperature, and wind are all part
of the Earth’s—
A
B
C
D
atmosphere
hemisphere
weather
rotation
8. What causes seismic waves (tsunami's)?
A
B
C
D
Earthquakes in the mountains
Earthquakes on or under the ocean floor
Large amounts of wind from big storms
The eruption of a large volcano
8. What causes seismic waves (tsunami's)?
A
B
C
D
Earthquakes in the mountains
Earthquakes on or under the ocean floor
Large amounts of wind from big storms
The eruption of a large volcano
9. The pull of gravity from the moon and the
sun is responsible for making the water level
of the oceans rise and fall. This is known as—
A
B
C
D
tides
water depth
seismic waves
water currents
9. The pull of gravity from the moon and the
sun is responsible for making the water level
of the oceans rise and fall. This is known as—
A
B
C
D
tides
water depth
seismic waves
water currents
10. A sudden change in wind direction, air
temperature, and cloud cover most likely
signals a change in —
A
B
C
D
climate
landforms
seasons
weather
10. A sudden change in wind direction, air
temperature, and cloud cover most likely
signals a change in —
A
B
C
D
climate
landforms
seasons
weather
11.
11.
12. Clouds are formed when—
A
B
C
D
the air is too dry
moist air rises and is cooled
the weather is very hot
the wind blows too hard
12. Clouds are formed when—
A
B
C
D
the air is too dry
moist air rises and is cooled
the weather is very hot
the wind blows too hard
13.
13.
14.
14.
15. Above a continent, a warm air mass
slowly passes over a cold air mass. As the
warm air begins to cool, clouds form. What
will MOST LIKELY happen next?
A
B
C
D
Rain will fall.
Hurricanes will form.
Lightning will strike.
Hail will form.
15. Above a continent, a warm air mass
slowly passes over a cold air mass. As the
warm air begins to cool, clouds form. What
will MOST LIKELY happen next?
A
B
C
D
Rain will fall.
Hurricanes will form.
Lightning will strike.
Hail will form.
16. The clouds in Earth’s atmosphere are made
primarily of which substance?
A
B
C
D
Oxygen
Water
Dust
Ozone
16. The clouds in Earth’s atmosphere are made
primarily of which substance?
A
B
C
D
Oxygen
Water
Dust
Ozone
17. Which weather event usually includes heavy
precipitation, strong winds, and surface air
temperatures below 0°C?
A
B
C
D
Snowstorm
Hurricane
Thunderstorm
Tornado
17. Which weather event usually includes heavy
precipitation, strong winds, and surface air
temperatures below 0°C?
A
B
C
D
Snowstorm
Hurricane
Thunderstorm
Tornado
18. Which process must occur for clouds to form?
A
B
C
D
Erosion
Conduction
Condensation
Precipitation
18. Which process must occur for clouds to form?
A
B
C
D
Erosion
Conduction
Condensation
Precipitation
19. Windy, cloudy, rainy, and cold are
words that help describe—
A
B
C
D
evaporation
deposition
matter
weather
19. Windy, cloudy, rainy, and cold are
words that help describe—
A
B
C
D
evaporation
deposition
matter
weather
20. Which of the following is NOT caused by
weather?
A
B
C
D
Volcanoes
Erosion
Hurricanes
Flooding
20. Which of the following is NOT caused by
weather?
A
B
C
D
Volcanoes
Erosion
Hurricanes
Flooding
21.
21.
22. During most of the year, the air over Houston,
Texas, contains a high amount of moisture. Which
of the following BEST explains why there is a high
amount of moisture in the air?
A
B
C
D
Houston is close to the Gulf of Mexico.
Houston is at a low elevation.
Houston is near many mountains.
Houston is not too far from the equator.
22. During most of the year, the air over Houston,
Texas, contains a high amount of moisture. Which
of the following BEST explains why there is a high
amount of moisture in the air?
A
B
C
D
Houston is close to the Gulf of Mexico.
Houston is at a low elevation.
Houston is near many mountains.
Houston is not too far from the equator.
23. How does the sun affect the winds on the
Earth?
A
B
C
D
It causes evaporation of water.
It changes the air temperature.
It provides food for green plants.
It warms the magma inside the earth.
23. How does the sun affect the winds on the
Earth?
A
B
C
D
It causes evaporation of water.
It changes the air temperature.
It provides food for green plants.
It warms the magma inside the earth.
M.S. ?’s
24. A sudden change in temperature can affect current
weather conditions in a specific area, whereas
changes in average weather conditions over a long
period of time result in the area’s –
A. precipitation
B. climate
C. air mass
D. global warming
M.S. ?’s
24. A sudden change in temperature can affect current
weather conditions in a specific area, whereas
changes in average weather conditions over a long
period of time result in the area’s –
A. precipitation
B. climate
C. air mass
D. global warming
25. One vital piece of weather information scientists collect,
record, and analyze is the amount of precipitation an area
receives over an extended period of time. This information
is used to determine long-term climate patterns within
specific biomes. The tool most likely used to measure
precipitation is a–
A. thermometer
B. triple beam balance
C. rain gauge
D. calculator
25. One vital piece of weather information scientists collect,
record, and analyze is the amount of precipitation an area
receives over an extended period of time. This information
is used to determine long-term climate patterns within
specific biomes. The tool most likely used to measure
precipitation is a–
A. thermometer
B. triple beam balance
C. rain gauge
D. calculator
26. Students observe that there are recognizable patterns in the natural
world. To better understand this concept, one group observes and records
information on their area’s current weather conditions, while another group
researches the climate of the region in which they live. Which of the
following questions can best be answered from the contributions of both
groups’ investigations?
A. What conclusions can be made when comparing the climate of two
different regions?
B. What tools and methods should be used to conduct this investigation?
C. What is the difference between climate and weather?
D. How valid is the information collected on weather and climate?
26. Students observe that there are recognizable patterns in the natural
world. To better understand this concept, one group observes and records
information on their area’s current weather conditions, while another group
researches the climate of the region in which they live. Which of the
following questions can best be answered from the contributions of both
groups’ investigations?
A. What conclusions can be made when comparing the climate of two
different regions?
B. What tools and methods should be used to conduct this investigation?
C. What is the difference between climate and weather?
D. How valid is the information collected on weather and climate?
27. Meteorologists are scientists who study patterns of change
in temperature, precipitation, humidity, and air pressure. Time
is spent collecting and recording data to analyze long-term
patterns as well as to make predictions of future conditions of
the local area. Which of the following are meteorologists
investigating to determine average patterns such as those
mentioned above, over a long period of time?
A. climate
B. temperature changes
C. weather
D. hurricanes
27. Meteorologists are scientists who study patterns of change
in temperature, precipitation, humidity, and air pressure. Time
is spent collecting and recording data to analyze long-term
patterns as well as to make predictions of future conditions of
the local area. Which of the following are meteorologists
investigating to determine average patterns such as those
mentioned above, over a long period of time?
A. climate
B. temperature changes
C. weather
D. hurricanes
28. A student examined the temperature and precipitation on a
given day using a thermometer and a rain gauge. The student
is measuring –
A. temperature only
B. climate only
C. wind speed only
D. specific weather conditions
28. A student examined the temperature and precipitation on a
given day using a thermometer and a rain gauge. The student
is measuring –
A. temperature only
B. climate only
C. wind speed only
D. specific weather conditions
29. The average monthly rainfall in the Sahara desert is 1 cm
and the average monthly temperature is 35ºC. Which
statement correctly describes the Sahara Desert?
A. The Sahara Desert has a cold, dry climate
B. The Sahara Desert has a hot, dry climate
C. The Sahara Desert has hot, dry weather every day
D. The Sahara Desert has cold, dry weather ever day
29. The average monthly rainfall in the Sahara desert is 1 cm
and the average monthly temperature is 35ºC. Which
statement correctly describes the Sahara Desert?
A. The Sahara Desert has a cold, dry climate
B. The Sahara Desert has a hot, dry climate
C. The Sahara Desert has hot, dry weather every day
D. The Sahara Desert has cold, dry weather ever day
30. Which statement is related to climate?
A. The temperature has never dropped below 0ºC in April
B. The barometric pressure is high today
C. The sky is dark and cloudy
D. There is a severe thunderstorm warning for the Dallas area
30. Which statement is related to climate?
A. The temperature has never dropped below 0ºC in April
B. The barometric pressure is high today
C. The sky is dark and cloudy
D. There is a severe thunderstorm warning for the Dallas area
31. In an activity, students look at different climatic regions of
the U.S. to determine what types of plants will grow in certain
regions. One group chooses to look at a region with heavy
annual rainfall and an average annual temperature of 18ºC.
Which plant could best be grown in that climatic region?
A. a plant that needs constant sunlight
B. a plant that needs constant sunlight and heat
C. a plant that needs partial shade and little watering
D. a plant that needs lots of rain and mild air temperatures
31. In an activity, students look at different climatic regions of
the U.S. to determine what types of plants will grow in certain
regions. One group chooses to look at a region with heavy
annual rainfall and an average annual temperature of 18ºC.
Which plant could best be grown in that climatic region?
A. a plant that needs constant sunlight
B. a plant that needs constant sunlight and heat
C. a plant that needs partial shade and little watering
D. a plant that needs lots of rain and mild air temperatures
32. Which statement below best describes weather?
A. Weather is the average temperature of an area over several
years
B. weather is recorded yearly
C. weather changes and is recorded daily
D. weather cannot be predicted
32. Which statement below best describes weather?
A. Weather is the average temperature of an area over several
years
B. weather is recorded yearly
C. weather changes and is recorded daily
D. weather cannot be predicted
33. What is the difference between weather and climate?
A. Weather is measured over a period of years and climate
changes daily
B. Weather changes daily and can be predicted, but climate
cannot ever be predicted
C. Weather cannot be predicted, but climate is certain
D. Weather conditions describe how the air feels outside daily;
climate is the average weather of an area measured over several
years
33. What is the difference between weather and climate?
A. Weather is measured over a period of years and climate
changes daily
B. Weather changes daily and can be predicted, but climate
cannot ever be predicted
C. Weather cannot be predicted, but climate is certain
D. Weather conditions describe how the air feels outside daily;
climate is the average weather of an area measured over several
years
34. The process of the water cycle causes water to evaporate
from Earth’s lake, condense, and then fall back to Earth as
precipitation. Because of this process, water from Lake Ontario
and Lake Erie may one day fall back to Earth as rain in
Pennsylvania and New York. Rain falling to Earth after a clear,
sunny morning is an example of—
A. a wind speed
B. a climate pattern
C. a change in weather
D. a warming trend
34. The process of the water cycle causes water to evaporate
from Earth’s lake, condense, and then fall back to Earth as
precipitation. Because of this process, water from Lake Ontario
and Lake Erie may one day fall back to Earth as rain in
Pennsylvania and New York. Rain falling to Earth after a clear,
sunny morning is an example of—
A. a wind speed
B. a climate pattern
C. a change in weather
D. a warming trend
35. Which of the following maps is best for analyzing changes in
climatic patterns of diverse ecosystems?
A. a map that shows the climate zones for the continental U.S.
B. a map that shows the climate zones for different regions
around the world
C. a map that shows the local weather information of a specific
area
D. a map that shows the locations of mountains and oceans
35. Which of the following maps is best for analyzing changes in
climatic patterns of diverse ecosystems?
A. a map that shows the climate zones for the continental U.S.
B. a map that shows the climate zones for different regions
around the world
C. a map that shows the local weather information of a specific
area
D. a map that shows the locations of mountains and oceans
36. A student made the observation, “The temperature is
always hotter during the summer.” What can you conclude
from this statement?
A. the weather is always the same during the summer
B. a hot climate during the summer is experienced where the
student lives
C. it does not rain during the summer
D. weather is recorded several months at a time
36. A student made the observation, “The temperature is
always hotter during the summer.” What can you conclude
from this statement?
A. the weather is always the same during the summer
B. a hot climate during the summer is experienced where the
student lives
C. it does not rain during the summer
D. weather is recorded several months at a time
Weather
March
May
June
November
Days with
precipitation
13
8
4
10
23
26
20
Days without 18
precipitation
37. Based on the information in the table, which month will
most likely have the best weather conditions to plan a picnic at
the park?
A. March
B. May
C. June
D. November
Weather
March
May
June
November
Days with
precipitation
13
8
4
10
23
26
20
Days without 18
precipitation
37. Based on the information in the table, which month will
most likely have the best weather conditions to plan a picnic at
the park?
A. March
B. May
C. June
D. November
38. A group of students cut out the weather map
from the newspaper. The weather forecast
predicted a cold front would move through he area.
Students were asked to mark the map with the
appropriate weather symbol. Which symbol below
represents a cold front?
38. A group of students cut out the weather map
from the newspaper. The weather forecast
predicted a cold front would move through he area.
Students were asked to mark the map with the
appropriate weather symbol. Which symbol below
represents a cold front?
39. What does the “L” symbol on a weather map usually
associated with?
A. fair weather
B. good weather with sunny skies
C. clear skies
D. cloudy with chance of precipitation
39. What does the “L” symbol on a weather map usually
associated with?
A. fair weather
B. good weather with sunny skies
C. clear skies
D. cloudy with chance of precipitation
40. Observe the weather map above. What type of activity would
be most appropriate for people living in the northern part of
Oklahoma (the state right above Texas)?
A. watch a movie at home
B. picnic at the park
C. visit to the local zoo
D. swim at the lake
40. Observe the weather map above. What type of activity would
be most appropriate for people living in the northern part of
Oklahoma (the state right above Texas)?
A. watch a movie at home (it’s raining!)
B. picnic at the park
C. visit to the local zoo
D. swim at the lake
41. All of the following weather
changes can be measured EXCEPT
–
A. precipitation
B. thermometer
C. humidity
D. air pressure
41. All of the following weather
changes can be measured EXCEPT
–
A. precipitation
B. thermometer
C. humidity
D. air pressure
42. The most influential factors
affecting weather change in the
atmosphere are—
A. clouds and the moon
B. air pressure and the sun
C. snow and rainfall
D. day and night
42. The most influential factors
affecting weather change in the
atmosphere are—
A. clouds and the moon
B. air pressure and the sun
C. snow and rainfall
D. day and night
43. A weather map may display
all of the following information
EXCEPT –
A. precipitation
B. low pressure
C. weather fronts
D. seasonal forecast
43. A weather map may display
all of the following information
EXCEPT –
A. precipitation
B. low pressure
C. weather fronts
D. seasonal forecast
44. Which is used to make
forecasts of the weather?
A. Weather map
B. line graph
C. pie chart
D. diagram
44. Which is used to make
forecasts of the weather?
A. Weather map
B. line graph
C. pie chart
D. diagram
45. Which of the following units
of measurement is used when
recording temperature?
A. grams
B. centimeters
C. Celsius
D. meters
45. Which of the following units
of measurement is used when
recording temperature?
A. grams
B. centimeters
C. Celsius
D. meters
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
High Temp 74
69
65
63
58
Low Temp
49
44
38
57
46. Students measured the temperature and recorded the
changes over a 5-day period in their science notebooks. Based
on the information in the table, what prediction can be made
regarding the low temperature on Friday?
A. the low temperature will decrease
B. the low temperature will increase
C. the low temperature wills stay the same
D. the low temperature will become warmer
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
High Temp 74
69
65
63
58
Low Temp
49
44
38
57
46. Students measured the temperature and recorded the
changes over a 5-day period in their science notebooks. Based
on the information in the table, what prediction can be made
regarding the low temperature on Friday?
A. the low temperature will decrease
B. the low temperature will increase
C. the low temperature wills stay the same
D. the low temperature will become warmer
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
High Temp 74
69
65
63
58
Low Temp
49
44
38
57
47. Based on the information in the table, what hypothesis can
be made about the cause of the temperature change?
A. the change in temperature was caused by high winds
B. the change in temperature was caused by a cold front
C. the change in temperature was caused by heavy fog
D. the change in temperature was caused by a warm front
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
High Temp 74
69
65
63
58
Low Temp
49
44
38
57
47. Based on the information in the table, what hypothesis can
be made about the cause of the temperature change?
A. the change in temperature was caused by high winds
B. the change in temperature was caused by a cold front
C. the change in temperature was caused by heavy fog
D. the change in temperature was caused by a warm front
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
High Temp 74
69
65
63
58
Low Temp
49
44
38
57
47. What tool was most likely used to gather the data collected
in the table?
A. barometer
B. anemometer
C. thermometer
D. rain gauge
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
High Temp 74
69
65
63
58
Low Temp
49
44
38
57
47. What tool was most likely used to gather the data collected
in the table?
A. barometer
B. anemometer
C. thermometer
D. rain gauge