Meteorology Syllabus
Mr. Johns/Room 2012/January 06
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 programs ESRI Arc View and Arc Voyager. 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.
Jan. 17 – Jan. 20
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
Jan. 23 – Feb. 3
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
Feb. 6 - 24
IV. Water in the Atmosphere
Feb. 27 – March 9
A. 18.1 Humidity and Condensation
B. 18.2 Clouds
C. 18.3 Precipitation
D. Lab Activity 3: Effects of Acid Rain p.408
________________________________________________________Spring Break_____________________________________________________
V. The Atmosphere in Motion
March 20 – 24
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.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
March 27 – April 7
20.1 Air Masses and Weather
20.2 Fronts and Lows
Mini Lab: Graphing a Front
20.3 Thunderstorms and Tornadoes
20.4 Hurricanes and Winter Storms
20.5 Forecasting Weather
Map Activity 5: Severe Storms p. 460
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
April 10 – April 19
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
April 20 – April 28
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
May 1 – May 12
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
May 15 – May 26
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:
Semester Exams
Chapter and Unit Tests
Lab Participation and Reports
Class Participation, Notebook, & Science Fair
Lecture, readings, discussion, audiovisuals, supervised lab investigations.
Required Text:
2003. Earth Science. Spaulding, Namowitz. McDougal Littell
Every Grading Period:
100 points (approx.)
700 points
400 points
300 points