Topic 4 - Energy in the Atmosphere and Ocean

Suggested Time: 16 days

Objectives

Students will:

• compare and contrast radiation, conduction, and convection;

• explain how heat is transferred through radiation, conduction, and convection;

• give real-life examples of radiation, conduction, and convection; and use their knowledge to describe how weather is related to convection and radiation, including the creation of wind.

• define the terms associated with weather data collection;

• explain the concept of global wind patterns;

• identify the global winds;

• label wind patterns on a global map; and use their knowledge of global patterns and convection to identify the relationships among wind and water movement and weather.

• identify solar radiation as the transfer of energy from the Sun;

• explain that the global air circulation is affected by the uneven heating of Earth’s surface by solar energy, as well as by the properties of air, water, and land;

• identify causes of the uneven heating of Earth (seasons, Earth’s tilted axis, and rotation of Earth)

• explain how the uneven heating of the atmosphere contributes to wind and weather, and identify convection as a cause of uneven heating in the air and water.

• identify methods to protect human skin from sun damage;

• identify the warning signs and alerts for hazardous weather;

• describe steps to take to protect themselves during severe storms and flooding, and describe the safest locations during hazardous weather.

• define a scientific model as a visual representation that helps people gain a greater understanding of a scientific concept;

• explain how models can be used to study things that are too large or too small to see;

• discuss that models can be used to study objects from the past;

• compare and contrast mathematical and physical models, and apply knowledge to discuss the benefits and limitations of using models to study science.