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Year 4 - Geography

Lake District weather and climate

UK region: why is the Lake District a national park?

Unit Summary

This unit explores the Lake District as a UK National Park. Pupils learn about its landscape, weather and climate, how people live and work there, and the pressures on the environment caused by visitors and land use.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to research and explain some of the impacts of weather and climate on the Lake District.

Key Notes

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

Vocabulary To Learn

  • 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 Mistakes To Avoid

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

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain this geography topic using two clear key points.

Milder winters and cooler summers than would normally be expected at this latitude (54-55 degrees north). The climate is influenced by the sea, particularly the Gulf stream, with relief rainfall from prevailing westerlies.

2. Define this geography term and use it in an example. 'climate'

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

3. Correct this common geography misunderstanding.

Mistake: Children may think latitude is the only factor in influencing temperature. Correction: Explain that in winter the UK is tilted away from the Sun, which means it has less influence.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 4 Geography guide library.