Social Studies/Climate of the Caribbean

 Social Studies

Focus Question: What are some of the key factors that influence climate and how do these factors influence climate?

May 12, 2025

Objective: At the end of the lesson students should be able to:

      Name and describe the type of climate experienced in Jamaica and the rest of the Caribbean

      Interpret simple climate graphs


Skills

  • Interpreting graphs
  • Creating tables 
Content Summary
  • The Caribbean has a Tropical Marine Climate due to the closeness of the islands to the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean
  • Caribbean is located in the tropical climatic zone between 23.5 N and 23.5 S of the Equator
  • The climate is influenced by the winds from the sea (Northeast Trade Winds)
  • We get convectional rainfall in May and June in the afternoon
  • The western regions (Jamaica, Cuba, Haiti,etc) are prone to hurricanes, tropical storms and depressions and the Southeastern area (Trinidad, Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao) are below the hurricane belt
Teaching/Learning

ENGAGE 

Activity: “What’s the Weather Like?” 

  • Show short video clips or pictures of weather in Jamaica and other Caribbean islands (sunshine, rain, hurricanes, etc.).
  • Ask:
    “What do you notice about the weather?”
    “Have you experienced different seasons or weather patterns?”



. EXPLORE 

Activity: “Climate Detectives” – Reading and Group Investigation

Instructions:

  • In small, ability-based groups, students read short passages about tropical marine climate (the climate type in Jamaica and the wider Caribbean).

Tier 1: Below Grade Level (Simplified with visuals in mind)

Title: Warm and Wet – The Caribbean’s Climate

Jamaica and many other Caribbean islands have a warm climate. This climate is called tropical marine. It is warm all year. Most days are sunny, but it also rains often. There are two seasons: the dry season (less rain) and the wet season (more rain). The weather changes because of the sea and winds. Sometimes, big storms called hurricanes happen during the wet season.


🟡 Tier 2: On Grade Level

Title: The Tropical Marine Climate of the Caribbean

Jamaica and most of the Caribbean experience a tropical marine climate. This means the weather is generally warm and humid throughout the year. Temperatures usually stay between 25–30°C (77–86°F). There are two main seasons: a dry season (from December to April) and a wet season (from May to November). Rain falls more during the wet season, and hurricanes sometimes form. The nearby ocean and trade winds help keep the temperature steady. This climate supports lush vegetation and popular beach tourism.


🔴 Tier 3: Above Grade Level

Title: Climate Patterns of the Caribbean: A Closer Look at the Tropical Marine Climate

The Caribbean region, including Jamaica, lies within the tropical marine climate zone, characterized by warm temperatures and moderate to high humidity throughout the year. Influenced by the surrounding sea and steady northeast trade winds, this climate features two major seasons: the dry season (December to April) and the wet season (May to November). Rainfall increases significantly during the wet season, especially with the threat of tropical storms and hurricanes. Despite seasonal variations in rainfall, temperature shifts are minimal, typically ranging from 24°C to 32°C. This stable climate plays a vital role in supporting the region’s agriculture, ecosystems, and year-round tourism industry.

Each group fills out a climate chart with:

Name of climate

Temperature range

Rainfall patterns

 

Season description

 

Example countries/regions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


EXPLAIN 

Activity: 

Students explain the tropical marine climate

ELABORATE (15 minutes)

Activity: Climate Brochure or Poster

watch the clip below | Egypt travel brochure | School Projects | English |

Instructions:

  • Students create a brochure or poster for a tourist visiting Jamaica, explaining the climate and the best time to visit.
  • Must include:
    • Name of climate
    • Weather features
    • Seasons
    • Clothing suggestions
    • Fun facts

. EVALUATE 

Complete the following

Tiers 2 & 3


Tier 1

    1. What is the name of Jamaica’s climate? ________________________
    2. What season is usually wetter in the Caribbean? _______________________

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