Science·Weather & Climate·conceptual
What Causes Wind
Understand what causes wind: the Sun heats the Earth's surface unevenly, warm air rises because it is lighter, and cooler air rushes in to take its place — this movement of air is wind
Suggested ages 7–9
Learning journey
Your child is learning about weather science — how meteorologists forecast weather, what causes different weather patterns like wind and storms, and understanding the water cycle that brings us rain and snow.
Evidence of understanding
- Explain that the Sun heats Earth's surface unevenly
- State that warm air rises and cooler air moves in to replace it
- Define this air movement as wind
Assessment prompt
Can What Causes Wind explain why wind blows — that the Sun warms some areas more than others, warm air floats upward, and cooler air rushes in to fill the gap?
Standards alignment
No external standards are linked to this topic.