Unit

The Atmosphere

Local Objective

At the end of this unit, students will be able to...

a.  Describe the composition of Earth's atmosphere. 

b.  Explain why air pressure changes with altitude. 

c.  Explain how air temperature changes with atmospheric composition. 

d.  Describe the layers of the atmosphere. 

e.  Describe what happens to solar energy that reaches Earth. 

f.  Summarize the processes of radiation, thermal conduction, and convection. 

g.  Explain the relationship between the greenhouse effect and global warming. 

h.  Explain the relationship between air pressure and wind direction. 

i.  Describe global wind patterns. 

j.  Explain the causes of local wind patterns. 

k.  Compare primary and secondary air pollutants. 

l.  Identify the major sources of air pollution. 

m.  Explain the effects of an ozone hole. 

n.  List five effects of air pollution on the human body. 

o.  Identify ways to reduce air pollution.

Objective used to evaluate students


Yes

Assessment Activity

1.  The students will be assessed by completing daily independent activities on the objectives of describing the composition of the Earth's atmosphere; explaining why air pressure changes with altitude; explaining how air temperature changes with atmospheric composition; describe the layers of the atmosphere; describing what happens to solar energy that reaches Earth; summarizing the processes of radiation, thermal conduction, and convection; explaining the relationship between the greenhouse effect and global warming; explaining the relationship between air pressure and wind direction; describing global wind patterns;  explaining the causes of local wind patterns; comparing primary and secondary air pollutants, identifying the major sources of air pollution; explaining the effects of an ozone hole; listing five effects of air pollution on the human body; and identifying ways to reduce air pollution.

2.  At the end of the unit, students will complete a unit evaluation testing mastery of describing the composition of the Earth's atmosphere; explaining why air pressure changes with altitude; explaining how air temperature changes with atmospheric composition; describe the layers of the atmosphere; describing what happens to solar energy that reaches Earth; summarizing the processes of radiation, thermal conduction, and convection; explaining the relationship between the greenhouse effect and global warming; explaining the relationship between air pressure and wind direction; describing global wind patterns;  explaining the causes of local wind patterns; comparing primary and secondary air pollutants, identifying the major sources of air pollution; explaining the effects of an ozone hole; listing five effects of air pollution on the human body; and identifying ways to reduce air pollution.

Level of Expectation

80%

List of concepts and Evaluation Types


ConceptEvaluation Type
Lab-"Old-Fashioned" PopcornPE
Lab-Does Air Have Mass?PE
Unit ExamCR
QuestionsCR

Learning Activity

The student will:

1.  Participate in the mini lab entitled "Does Air Have Mass?"

2.  Read a section on the characteristics of the atmosphere.  Discuss specific topics such as the composition of Earth's atmosphere, explanation of why air pressure changes with altitude, an explanation of how air temperature changes with atmospheric composition, and the layers of the atmosphere.

3.  Answer some recall questions from the reading checking for identification of key ideas, using math skills, using critical thinking, and interpreting graphics.

4.  Read a section on atmospheric heating.  Participate in the mini lab "Old-Fashioned" popcorn.  Discuss specific topics such as what happens to solar energy that reaches the Earth; the processes of radiation, thermal conduction, and convection; and the relationship between the greenhouse effect and global warming.

5.  Answer some recall questions from the reading checking for identification of key ideas, using math skills, using critical thinking, and interpreting graphics.

6.  Read a section on global winds and local winds.  Discuss specific topics such as relationship between air pressure and wind direction, global wind patterns, and causes of local wind patterns.

7.  Answer some recall questions from the reading checking for identification of key ideas, using math skills, using critical thinking, and interpreting graphics.

8.  Read a section on air pollution.  Discuss specific topics such as primary and secondary air pollutants, major sources of air pollution, effects on an ozone hole, five effects of air pollution on the human body, and ways to reduce air pollution. 

9. Answer some recall questions from the reading checking for identification of key ideas, using math skills, using critical thinking, and interpreting graphics.

10.  End the chapter by reviewing questions.  Take a unit exam over the section on the atmosphere.  Questions will review the following objectives:  describe the composition of Earth's atmosphere, explain why air pressure changes with altitude, explain how air temperature changes with atmospheric composition, describe the layers of the atmosphere, describe what happens to solar energy that reaches Earth, summarize the processes of radiation, thermal conduction, and convection, explain the relationship between the greenhouse effect and global warming, explain the relationship between air pressure and wind direction, describe global wind patterns, explain the causes of local wind patterns, compare primary and secondary air pollutants, identify the major sources of air pollution, explain the effects of an ozone hole, list five effects of air pollution on the human body, and identify ways to reduce air pollution.

 

Instructional Method

The teacher will:

1.  Begin unit by doing a lab called "Does Air Have Mass?"  Students will follow the procedure listed on page 3 of the textbook

2.  Lecture and discuss the characteristics of the atmosphere.  Include specific topics such as the composition of Earth's at mosphere, explanation of why air pressure changes with altitude, an explanation of how air temperature changes with atmospheric composition, and the layers of the atmosphere.

3.  Guide students during the answering of recall questions.

4.  Lecture and discuss atmospheric heating.  Include specific topics such as what happens to solar energy that reaches the Earth; the processes of radiation, thermal conduction, and convection; and the relationship between the greenhouse effect and global warming.  Demonstrate convection, conduction, and radiation by popping popcorn the "old-fashioned" way using a hotplate.

5.  Guide students during the answering of recall questions.

6.  Lecture and discuss global winds and local winds.  Include specific topics such as relationship between air pressure and wind direction, global wind patterns, and causes of local wind patterns.

7.  Guide students during the answering of recall questions.

8.  Lecture and discuss air pollution.  Include specific topics such as primary and secondary air pollutants, major sources of air pollution, effects on an ozone hole, five effects of air pollution on the human body, and ways to reduce air pollution.

9.  Guide students during the answering of recall questions.

Content Standards

MA 1, SC 8, CA 4, SC 6, SC 2, SC 5

Process Standards

3.6, 3.8, 4.1, 2.3, 4.7, 3.7, 1.5, 3.5, 3.3, 3.2, 3.1, 4.2

Equity/Workplace Readiness


MSIP CodeMSIP Indicator
R/IResearch/Information Skills

Resources

Holt Science & Technology "Weather and Climate" (I)

Materials:  Large Balloons, Pushpins, Metersticks, Pencils, Safety Goggles, Popcorn, Hotplate, Pan with Lid, Oil, and Butter

Correction Exercise

Assignment Corrections

Tutoring/Peer Coaching

Enrichment Exercise

Chapter 1 Enrichment Pages

Special Needs

Assignment Modifications

Alternative Testing

Tutoring/Peer Coaching

GLEs v1.0


GLE CodeDisciplineStrandBig IdeaConceptGrade Level/CourseGLE
SC/1ME/1/D/07/aScienceProperties and Principles of Matter and EnergyChanges in properties and states of matter provide evidence of the atomic theory of matterPhysical changes in the state of matter that result from thermal changes can be explained by the Kinetic Theory of MatterGrade 7Scope and Sequence  Weather and Climate Describe the relationship between temperature and the movement of atmospheric gases (i.e., warm air rises due to expansion of the volume of gas, cool air sinks due to contraction of the volume of gas)
SC/1ME/2/C/07/aScienceProperties and Principles of Matter and EnergyEnergy has a source, can be transferred, and can be transformed into various forms but is conserved between and within systemsElectromagnetic energy from the Sun (solar radiation) is a major source of energy on EarthGrade 7Scope and Sequence  Weather and Climate Identify solar radiation as the primary source of energy for weather phenomena
SC/5ES/1/C/07/aScienceProcesses and Interactions of the Earth s Systems (Geosphere, Atmosphere, and Hydrosphere)Earth s systems (geosphere, atmosphere, and hydrosphere) have common components and unique structuresThe atmosphere (air) is composed of a mixture of gases, including water vapor, and minute particlesGrade 7Scope and Sequence  Weather and Climate Describe the composition of the Earth s atmosphere (i.e., mixture of gases, water and minute particles) and how it circulates as air masses
SC/5ES/1/C/07/bScienceProcesses and Interactions of the Earth s Systems (Geosphere, Atmosphere, and Hydrosphere)Earth s systems (geosphere, atmosphere, and hydrosphere) have common components and unique structuresThe atmosphere (air) is composed of a mixture of gases, including water vapor, and minute particlesGrade 7Scope and Sequence  Weather and Climate Describe the role atmosphere (e.g., clouds, ozone) plays in precipitation, reflecting and filtering light from the Sun, and trapping heat energy emitted from the Earth s surface
SC/7IN/1/B/07/bScienceScientific InquiryScience understanding is developed through the use of science process skills, scientific knowledge, scientific investigation, reasoning, and critical thinkingScientific inquiry relies upon gathering evidence from qualitative and quantitative observationsGrade 7Scope and Sequence - All Units Determine the appropriate tools and techniques to collect data
SC/8ST/1/C/06-08/aScienceImpact of Science, Technology and Human ActivityThe nature of technology can advance, and is advanced by, science as it seeks to apply scientific knowledge in ways that meet human needsTechnological solutions to problems often have drawbacks as well as benefitsGrade 6-8Scope and Sequence - All Units Describe how technological solutions to problems (e.g., storm water runoff, fiber optics, windmills, efficient car design, electronic trains without conductors, sonar, robotics, Hubble telescope) can have both benefits and drawbacks (e.g., design constraints, unintended consequences, risks) (Assess Locally)

Objective Notes/Essential Questions


DateNote/Question
6/18/2007 10:36:32 AMWhich layer of the atmosphere is closet to Earth?      How does temperature change within the stratosphere?      Which atmospheric layer has the greatest range of temperature?      List the layers of the atmosphere, starting with the one closest to Earth?      Explain how density affects the transfer of thermal energy in the air.      What is a convection current?      How does a greenhouse stay warm?      How does air temperature over landmasses and adjacent bodies of water change between day and night?      List two kinds of breezes that result from local topography.        Classify each of the following as either a primary or secondary air pollutant:  smog, tobacco smoke, chalk dust, and acid rain.     What are two health problems that can result from breathing polluted air?