7th Grade Science
Mrs. Mindy
Unit 2: Atmosphere and Weather
Weekly Breakdown of the Unit with Goals:
Week 1: Atmospheric Structure/Composition and Air Pressure
Goal:
 7.E.1.1: Compare the composition and structure of Earth’s atmosphere to include:
mixtures of gases and differences in temperature and pressure within layers.
Week 2: The Water Cycle and Its Effect on Weather
Goal:
 7.E.1.2: Explain how the cycling of water in and out of the atmosphere and
atmospheric conditions relate to the weather patterns on Earth.
Week 3: Air Masses, Fronts and Weather Systems
Goal:
 7.E.1.3: Explain the relationship between the movement of air masses, high and low
pressure systems, and frontal boundaries to storms (including thunderstorms,
hurricanes, and tornadoes) and other weather conditions may result.
Week 4: Winds and Predicting Weather
Goals:
 7.E.1.5: Explain the influence of convection, global winds and the jet stream on
weather and climatic conditions.
 7.E.1.4: Predict weather conditions and patterns based on information obtained from:
1. Weather data collected from direct observations and measurement (wind speed and
direction air temperature, humidity and air pressure)
2. Weather maps, satellites and radar
3. Cloud shapes and types and associated elevation
Week 5: Predicting Weather and Air Quality
Goal:
 7.E.1.4: Predict weather conditions and patterns based on information obtained from:
1. Weather data collected from direct observations and measurement (wind speed and
direction air temperature, humidity and air pressure)
2. Weather maps, satellites and radar
3. Cloud shapes and types and associated elevation
 7.E.1.6: Conclude that the good health of humans requires: monitoring the
atmosphere, maintaining air quality and stewardship.
Week 6: Wrap up all labs and activities, test taking strategies, test review and test!!!
Key Vocabulary
Air Pollution
Particulate
Fossil Fuel
Climate
Jet Stream
Greenhouse
Effect
Smog
Wind
Evaporation
Air Pressure
Global Wind
Condensation
Conduction
Humidity
Dew Point
Acid Rain
Weather
Coriolis Effect
Precipitation
Air Masses (Types
of)
Convection
Front (Types of)
Ozone
Tornado
UV Radiation
Relative Humidity
High Pressure
System
Hurricane
Wind Belts (Types
of)
Low Pressure
System
Types of Clouds
Types of Calm
Winds
Altitude
Infrared Radiation
Density
Cycle
Radiation
Thunderstorm
Storm Surge
Barometer
Key Essential Questions (these are BIG, overarching questions that you must be able to
answer in order to show mastery of this unit):
1. How does air pressure change with each layer of the atmosphere?
2. How does the water cycle influence weather?
3. How do air masses differ across the United States?
4. Explain the types of weather that form as a result of cold and warm fronts.
5. Explain how hurricanes form.
6. How do winds change across the globe?
7. How does the jet stream affect weather in the US?
8. Explain how meteorologists forecast weather and what tools they use.
9. Differentiate between global warming and the ozone hole.
10. How do greenhouse gases affect global warming?
Unit 2 Assignment Matrix: Atmosphere and Weather
How to Use this Matrix:
 Shaded assignments are mandatory
 At least 15 assignments must be completed by the end of Unit 2
 The blank spaces are “student choice” assignments. This means that you can create an
assignment of your choosing, but you must first submit a Proposal Form and wait for approval
before you begin, so plan carefully and use your time wisely!!!
Unit 2: Week 1
Topic: Atmospheric Structure/Composition and
Air Pressure
Goal: 7.E.1.1
Assignment #
1-A1
1-A2
1-A3
1-A4
1-A5
1-A6
Assignment Title
Layers of the Atmosphere Model
Layers of the Atmosphere Graphing
Activity
Air Pressure Lab
“Good Ozone, Bad Ozone” Article
with Analysis Questions
Goldilock’s Principle Lab
Unit 2 : Week 4
Topic: Winds and Predicting Weather
Goals: 7.E.1.4 and 7.E.1.5
Assignment #
1-D1
1-D2
1-D3
1-D4
1-D5
1-D6
Unit 2: Week 2
Topic: The Water Cycle and Its Effect on
Weather
Goal: 7.E.1.2
Assignment #
1-B1
1-B2
1-B3
1-B4
1-B5
Assignment Title
A Model Water Cycle
Drawing of the Water Cycle
Water Drop Odyssey Writing Prompt
Energy Transfer and the Water Cycle
Computer Simulation
Weather and Climate Reading
Passage with Summary
1-B6
Unit 2: Week 5
Topic: Air Quality
Goals: 7.E.1.4 and 7.E.1.6
Assignment #
1-E1
1-E2
1-E3
1-E4
Assignment Title
Reducing Your Carbon Footprint
Mining a Mountain
Energyville Online Game
Exhausting Problems
1-E5
Atmospheric Effects and Global
Warming
1-E6
Unit 2: Week 3
Topic: Air Masses, Fronts and Weather Systems
Goal: 7.E.1.3
Assignment #
1-C1
1-C2
1-C3
1-C4
1-C5
1-C6
Assignment Title
Global Winds Activity
Weather Smart: Heat, Wind and
Pressure Video with Questions
Weather Forecasting and Map
Analysis
Relative Humidity Activity
Assignment Title
Wind and Air Masses Video with
Summary
Precipitation Along Fronts Computer
Simulation
Air Mass Foldable
Air Masses and Fronts Activity
Exploration: Hurricanes
Unit 2: Week 6
Topic: Wrap Up and Test Review
Assignment #
1-F1
1-F2
1-F3
1-F4
1-F5
1-F6
Assignment Title