Lesson Plan

• Describe the geographic distribution of tropical climate zones and identify the three main types (Af, Am, Aw/As).
• Explain the key temperature and precipitation characteristics of each tropical climate type.
• Analyse how solar insolation, atmospheric circulation (Hadley Cell/ITCZ), and land‑sea contrast determine the distribution of tropical climates.
• Compare the seasonal rainfall patterns of monsoon and savanna climates and relate them to continental influences.
• Apply knowledge to interpret climate data and answer revision questions.

• Projector and screen
• World map (physical or digital)
• Handout of the climate summary table
• Worksheet with data analysis tasks
• Markers and chart paper
• Laptop for showing the Hadley‑Cell diagram

Begin with a striking image of a tropical rainforest and ask students what weather they expect there. Briefly revisit the concept of latitudinal climate zones learned previously. Explain that by the end of the lesson they will be able to identify where tropical climates occur, describe their main features, and explain why they are distributed as they are.

1. Do‑Now (5'): Quick quiz on latitude and temperature patterns.
2. Teacher input – Distribution of tropical climates (10'): Show map, highlight 23.5° N–S, introduce Af, Am, Aw/As.
3. Group activity – Characteristics table (15'): Students analyse the provided table and fill a worksheet summarising temperature, rainfall, and vegetation for each type.
4. Diagram explanation – Hadley Cell & ITCZ (10'): Use projector to illustrate how solar insolation and atmospheric circulation create the observed patterns.
5. Guided practice – Reasons for distribution (10'): Discuss land‑sea contrast and monsoon mechanisms; students answer short revision questions.
6. Exit ticket (5'): One‑sentence summary of why tropical climates are confined to the tropics.

Recap the three tropical climate types, their key characteristics, and the three main factors controlling their distribution. Collect exit tickets and assign a brief homework: research a specific tropical country and create a one‑page climate profile using the lesson’s framework.