Meteorology Syllabus
Mr. Johns/Room 2012/August - December 2013
Description of Course:
This course is a semester overview of Meteorology. Topics include weather patterns, records, and predictions. Many aspects of Earth
System Science will be explored. This lab course incorporates use of the mapping program ESRI ArcMap. This course will incorporate
many hands-on experiments dealing with Earth Sciences.
Prerequisites:
No prerequisite course requirements.
Goals:
Students will gain the:
1. Ability to classify matter and analyze basic chemical and physical reactions of energy.
2. Ability to classify types of clouds and natural weather phenomena
3. Ability to properly read and create graphs and charts according to APA format.
4. Ability to apply informational analysis in order to forecast future weather patterns.
5. Ability to analyze the current practices of individuals and industries that may have long-term and global effects on Earth
systems.
6. Ability to perform basic scientific experiments using proper techniques, instruments, reporting skills, and write a lab report
using the scientific method.
Course Outline: Meteorology
I. Orientation and introduction
A. Familiarization with
1. Classroom requirements 2. Evaluation scheme
B. Nature and magnitude of topics in Meteorology.
C. Laboratory Safety Manual
II. Wind, Waves, & Currents
A. 16.1 Wind as an Agent of Change
B. 16.2 Waves in the Sea
C. 16.3 Shoreline Features
D. Lab Activity 1: Beach Erosion & Deposition p. 354
E. Standardized Test Practice
III. Atmosphere & Weather
A. 17.1 The Atmosphere in Balance
B. 17.2 Heat and the Atmosphere
C. 17.3 Local Temperature Variations
D. 17.4 Human Impact on the Atmosphere
E. Lab Activity 2: Absorption and Radiation of Heat p.384
F. Computer Lab 1,2,3,4,& 5: Arc Voyager and Arc View
IV. Water in the Atmosphere
A. 18.1 Humidity and Condensation
B. 18.2 Clouds
C. 18.3 Precipitation
D. Lab Activity 3: Effects of Acid Rain p.408
V.
The Atmosphere in Motion
A. 19.1 Air Pressure and Wind
B. 19.2 Factors Affecting Winds
C. 19.3 Global Wind Patterns
D. 19.4 Continental & Local Winds
E. Lab Activity 4: Correlating Weather Variables p. 430
VI. Weather
A. 20.1 Air Masses and Weather
B. 20.2 Fronts and Lows
C. Mini Lab: Graphing a Front
D. 20.3 Thunderstorms and Tornadoes
E. 20.4 Hurricanes and Winter Storms
F. 20.5 Forecasting Weather
G. Map Activity 5: Severe Storms p. 460
Meteorology/Johns Update Aug 2011
VII. Climate and Climate Change
A. 21.1 What is Climate?
B. 21.2 Climate Zones
C. Mini Lab: Classroom Microclimates
D. 21.3 Climate Change
E. Lab Activity 6: Observing Greenhouse Gasses. Page.478
VIII. The Water Planet
A. 22.1 Oceanography
B. Mini Lab: Observing Water’s Polarity in Action
C. 22.2 Properties of Water
D. 22.3 Properties of Ocean Water
E. 22.4 Ocean Life
F. Lab Activity 7: Ocean Water and Fresh Water p.504
IX. The Ocean Floor
A. 23.1 Studying the Ocean Floor
B. 23.2 The Continental Margin
C. 23.3 The Ocean Basin
D. 23.4 Ocean Floor Sediments
E. Map Activity 8: Mapping an Unknown Surface p.526
X.
The Moving Ocean
A. 24.1 Surface Currents
B. 24.2 Currents Under the Surface
C. Mini Lab: Simulating Ocean Currents
D. 24.3 Tides
E. Lab Activity 9: Oceanic Water Masses p.544
F. Standardized Test Practice
Course requirements:
Students must be familiar with and abide by the school handbook rules for student conduct and the lab procedures and safety rules.
Some reading materials will be provided only during class and students must make the most of their time by taking notes from those
materials. Other materials are available in the library and students are expected to glean information from those materials in an
organized fashion. The student’s Meteorology notebook and other necessary materials are that student’s responsibility and must
accompany the student to class each session.
Methods of Evaluation:
Chapter and Unit Tests
Lab Participation and Reports
Vocabulary Quizzes
Chapter Worksheets
Every Grading Period (Possible)
500 points
200 points
300 points
100 points
Class Participation, Notebook, & Science Fair
Semester Exams
300 points
100 points (Weighted 20% of Semester Grade; unless exempt)
Lecture, readings, discussion, audiovisuals, supervised lab investigations.
Required Text:
2003. Earth Science. Spaulding, Namowitz. McDougal Littell
Meteorology/Johns Update Aug 2011