The Atmosphere
Age 11-13: Concept 1 - Semester 1: Unit 2

This unit will introduce you to the properties of Earth's atmosphere and how atmospheric systems interact. You will learn about the layers of the atmosphere, atmospheric pressure, and weather systems.

The unit ends with a discussion of the stewardship of the Earth, as it relates to carbon emissions, air pollution, and the need to maintain the sustainability of the atmosphere. The final project asks you to consider how you can create a sustainable environment — with minimal long-term, negative effects — by designing a sustainable city.

Other Items You May Need

The Age 11-13 semester 1 science units require materials from the Semester 1 Science Kit.
$64.99 #743 Age 11-13 - Semester 1 - Science Kit

Prerequisites

  • Able to read and comprehend novels at a late 7th or 8th grade reading level
  • Able to write multiple paragraphs on a topic
  • Familiar with the five-paragraph essay
  • Usually used by children in the seventh grade.

Table of Contents

  • Lesson 1: Introduction to the Atmosphere
  • Lesson 2: Atmospheric Pressure
  • Lesson 3: Atmospheric Movement and Equilibrium
  • Lesson 4: Matter, Energy, and the Environment
  • Lesson 5: Atmospheric Conditions (2 Days)
  • Lesson 6: Thunderstorms
  • Lesson 7: Tornadoes and Hurricanes
  • Lesson 8: Interactions Between Systems (2 Days)
  • Lesson 9: Technology and Weather
  • Lesson 10: The Atmosphere and the Biosphere
  • Lesson 11: Stewardship
  • Final Project: The Sustainable City (2 Days)

Summary of Skills

Moving Beyond the Page is based on state and national standards. These standards are covered in this unit.
  • Analyze and evaluate information from a scientifically literate viewpoint by reading, hearing, and/or viewing scientific text. (Science)
  • Analyze evidence to explain observations, make inferences and predictions, and develop the relationship between evidence and explanation. (Science)
  • Analyze evidence to make inferences and predictions and develop the relationship between evidence and explanation. (Science)
  • Analyze variables in scientific investigations to identify dependent and independent variables, use a control, and describe the relationships between variables. (Science)
  • Apply safety procedures in the laboratory and in field studies: recognize potential hazards, manipulate materials and equipment, and conduct appropriate procedures. (Science)
  • Assess the use of technology in studying atmospheric phenomena and weather hazards: satellites, weather maps, predicting, recording, and communicating information about conditions. (Science)
  • Conclude that the good health of environments and organisms requires the monitoring of air quality, taking steps to maintain healthy air quality, and stewardship. (Science)
  • Define variables operationally. (Science)
  • Describe interactions among the Sun, weather, and ocean systems. (Science)
  • Describe properties that can be observed and measured to predict air quality: particulate matter and ozone. (Science)
  • Evaluate how humans impact air quality including air quality standards, point and non-point sources of air pollution, financial and economic trade-offs, local air quality issues. (Science)
  • Examine evidence that atmospheric properties can be studied to predict atmospheric conditions and weather hazards — humidity, temperature, wind speed and direction, air pressure, precipitation, flooding, and storms. (Science)
  • Examine evidence that atmospheric properties can be studied to predict atmospheric conditions and weather hazards: humidity, temperature, wind speed and direction, air pressure, and precipitation. (Science)
  • Examine evidence that atmospheric properties can be studied to predict atmospheric conditions and weather hazards: humidity, temperature, wind speed and direction, air pressure, precipitation, tornadoes, and hurricanes. (Science)
  • Explain the composition, properties, and structure of the atmosphere, including equilibrium. (Science)
  • Explain the composition, properties, and structure of the atmosphere: mixture of gases, stratified layers, and the distinct properties of each layer. (Science)
  • Identify the role of atmospheric movement in weather change. (Science)
  • Know that complex interactions occur between matter and energy. (Science)
  • Use oral and written language to communicate findings, defend conclusions of scientific investigations, and describe strengths and weaknesses of claims, arguments, and/or data. (Science)
  • Use technologies and information systems to research. (Science)
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