Unit 16: The Atmosphere and Weather

Unit 16: The Atmosphere and Weather

This unit focuses on solar radiation, air masses, winds, and sea currents and their relation to the weather. Students will learn about the components and function of the atmosphere and the connection between weather and climate.

Student Goals

• Identify the primary layers of the atmosphere and their characteristics.
• Explain how the ozone layer protects us and how it is being destroyed.
• Given data, construct a weather map, analyze, and then predict the weather.
• Explain how winds are created and how the Earth’s rotation affects their direction.
• Observe the effects of rotation on water.
• Identify major wind systems.
• Using a hurricane tracking map, plot the path of two hurricanes.
• Describe various severe weather situations.
• Know safety precautions for severe weather.
• Identify various cloud types by their appearance (altitude may be included).
• Know about the various forms of precipitation.
• Identify the factors that influence climate.

Unit Focus

• Know how climatic patterns on Earth result from an interplay of many factors (Earth’s topography, its rotation on its axis, solar radiation, the transfer of heat energy where the atmosphere interfaces with lands and oceans, and wind and ocean currents).
• Know that changes in a component of an ecosystem will have unpredictable effects on the entire system but that the components of the system tend to react in a way that will restore the ecosystem to its original condition.
• Know that scientists can bring information, insights, and analytical skills to matters of public concern and help people understand the possible causes and effects of events.