New
New
Year 4

Lake District weather and climate

I can research and explain some of the impacts of weather and climate on the Lake District

New
New
Year 4

Lake District weather and climate

I can research and explain some of the impacts of weather and climate on the Lake District

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Milder winters and cooler summers than would normally be expected at this latitude (54-55 degrees north).
  2. The climate is influenced by the sea, particularly the Gulf stream, with relief rainfall from prevailing westerlies.
  3. The climate and landscape suits hill farming with hardy sheep but it is hard to grow crops there.
  4. The temperature drops as altitude increases, meaning that the tops of the mountains are colder than the valleys.

Keywords

  • Climate - Climate is the long term pattern of weather, usually taken over more than 30 years

  • Gulf Stream - The Gulf Stream is a strong, warm ocean current that travels across the Atlantic Ocean towards western Europe

  • Latitude - Lines of latitude are Imaginary lines on Earth showing position north or south of the Equator, measured in degrees

  • Wind farm - A wind farm is an area in the countryside where a group of wind turbines has been placed to generate electricity

  • Hydro-electric - Hydro-electric power generates electricity by using water

Common misconception

Children may think latitude is the only factor in influencing temperature.

Explain that in winter the UK is tilted away from the Sun, which means it has less influence.

This lesson links to the Year 4 Science National Curriculum topics on the water cycle and electricity.
Teacher tip

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

Loading...

6 Questions

Q1.
Match the key word with the correct definition.
Correct Answer:volcanic ash,small bits of rock thrown into the air in an eruption

small bits of rock thrown into the air in an eruption

Correct Answer:lava,molten rock that has broken through Earth’s surface

molten rock that has broken through Earth’s surface

Correct Answer:tectonic plate,huge pieces that Earth’s crust is broken

huge pieces that Earth’s crust is broken

Q2.
What is the process where rock is worn away and removed?
Correct answer: erosion
elevation
eruption
Q3.
Where in the Lake District are the highest peaks found?
Correct answer: In the centre
In the south
In the east
Q4.
How many lakes and tarns does the Lake District have?
6
Correct answer: 16
60
Q5.
What forms in a corrie?
Correct answer: tarn
volcano
valley
Q6.
Which of these are lakes/tarns in the Lake District and which of these are mountains?
Correct Answer:Scafell Pike,Mountain

Mountain

Correct Answer:Windermere,Lake

Lake

Correct Answer:Red Tarn,Lake

Lake

Correct Answer:Helvellyn,Mountain

Mountain

6 Questions

Q1.
What is the climate of the Lake District?
Correct answer: milder winters, cooler summers
warmer summers, warm winters
cooler summers cold winters
Q2.
Match the key term to the correct definition.
Correct Answer:latitude,imaginary lines on Earth showing how far north or south of the Equator

imaginary lines on Earth showing how far north or south of the Equator

Correct Answer:equator,the line of latitude at 0 degrees

the line of latitude at 0 degrees

Correct Answer:climate,long term pattern of weather, usually taken over more than 30 years

long term pattern of weather, usually taken over more than 30 years

Q3.
Why is the Lake District warmer than we expect?
Correct answer: The Gulf Stream bringing warmer water.
The Gulf Stream bringing cold water.
The Gulf Stream causing rainfall.
Q4.
How does the temperature change as the altitude increases?
temperature increases
Correct answer: temperature decreases
it doesn't affect the temperature
Q5.
Where are the wettest parts of the UK? Unscramble the letters to help you find the answer.
1 - W
2 - E
3 - S
4 - T
Q6.
What does the climate of the Lake District suit?
Correct answer: hill sheep farming
Correct answer: renewable energy schemes such as wind farms
growing crops