LEARNING TOOL
LEARNING TOOL
Where the Wind Blows
Where the Wind Blows
Wind patterns and geography shape climate regions.
This activity was developed by National Geographic and Esri to be used with MapMaker, a digital mapping tool for the classroom. It is one in a series of geoinquiry lessons intended to promote geographic thinking by using maps and spatial patterns to acquire, understand and communicate information.
Grades
6 - 8
Subjects
Human History and Cultures, Geography
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Learning materials
Instructional Links
The prevailing wind patterns across the globe impact the temperature and precipitation a location receives throughout the year. This in turn shapes the vegetation that can grow there. A climate region is the area of the Earth’s surface with unique climate conditions over a period of at least 30 years.
In this guided lesson, students will explore how wind patterns shape climate regions around the world using National Geographic MapMaker. Students will use data on average annual precipitation, climate regions, and average wind speeds to explore monsoons, the rain shadow effect, and how Hadley cells impact the location of landscapes like deserts. By clicking the links above, educators will find a student activity with a short article, MapMaker, and activity steps sorted onto different tabs. The second link takes teachers to the teacher’s guide with helpful suggestions, guiding questions, and relevant national standards.
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Last Updated
December 3, 2025
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