Final answer:
The best resource for learning about current regional weather patterns would be an online weather website, as it provides the most current and comprehensive information compared to outdated or less detailed alternatives like old textbooks or encyclopedias.
Step-by-step explanation:
A teacher who has found that most of their middle school Earth Science class has little knowledge about regional weather patterns would be best served by directing their students to an online weather website. This option would provide the most up-to-date and comprehensive information available. In contrast, a local newspaper may offer some current data but would not likely be as comprehensive or as easily updated. An encyclopedia from the 1990s and a science textbook from the 1970s, while potentially useful for historical context, would not provide current weather patterns or reflect recent changes in climate.
For teaching about real-world events like weather impacts on the economy, it's beneficial to access the latest data and trends, which would likely be available on an online platform such as the Weather Channel. In a world where timely and accurate information is crucial, such as when farmers decide when to plant or harvest based on weather forecasts, the immediacy and accessibility of online resources are invaluable.