- Definition
Climate change means big, lasting shifts in our weather, like hotter summers or more storms, caused by things like pollution or natural events.
A region getting less and less rain over many decades is an example of climate change.
How to teach this in 30 seconds
Try this analogy: Climate change is like Earth wearing a thicker and thicker blanket, which makes it slowly get warmer over time.
Ask your child: How might our town be different if our winters were much warmer?
Common mix-up: Kids often confuse climate with weather, like thinking one cold day means the Earth isn't warming. Climate is the pattern of weather over many years, not just what happens today.
Examples
- Winters becoming milder and summers becoming hotter over a long period of time.
- Hurricanes or big storms happening more often and becoming stronger than they used to be.
climate change is a term used in Ontario’s Kindergarten to Grade 8 curriculum.
Where this shows up
- Grade 4 The Arts
- Grade 5 Science and Technology
- Grade 6 Science and Technology
- Grade 7 Science and Technology
- Grade 8 Science and Technology
+20 more mentions across the curriculum
The descriptions on this page are SmartStudy’s own original, plain-language writing — not the Ministry’s wording. They are aligned to the Ontario Curriculum, © King’s Printer for Ontario. For the Ministry’s official wording, see the source link below. SmartStudy is an independent service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Government of Ontario or the Ministry of Education. Ontario Curriculum and Resources ↗
