Students explore how climate conditions can be completely different on either side of a mountain range in this interactive lesson from WGBH. Through satellite images, graphics, and video, they learn how winds, the ocean, and landforms interact to form clouds, precipitation, and rain shadows. Students analyze temperature and precipitation data presented in climographs to further support their understanding of how mountains can affect climate. As a summative activity, students use digital tools to create their own model illustrating how rain shadows form.

To view the Teaching Tips and Non-Visual (NV) supports for this interactive lesson, go to Support Materials below. This resource was developed through WGBH’s Bringing the Universe to America’s Classrooms project, in collaboration with NASA. Click here for the full collection of resources.