Embedded Files
In this unit we will learn the forces at play in determining our weather, and we will investigate climate change.
We go on an annual Hurricane Ridge Field Experience in this unit:
Hurricane Ridge Field Experience
On the roof of Stevens Middle School is a professional-grade weather station that is used by scientists in our community.
Current Weather -- Weather Forecast -- Data Only Weather Station Report
Week 1 (Apr 10): We will research carbon dioxide emissions, trees and climate change and write an expository essay. The Point: Construct an argument supported by evidence for how increases in human population and per-capita consumption of natural resources impact Earth's systems (NGSS MS-ESS3-4, ETS1-2), clarify evidence of the factors that have caused the rise in global temperatures over the past century (NGSS MS-ESS3-5).
Week 2 (Apr 17): We will learn the difference between weather (temperature, pressure, precipitation, humidity, and wind at a given moment in the atmosphere) and climate (weather patterns over time), and we will collect and analyze data on Port Angeles weather. We will also have a guest presentation on one of the consequences of climate change, ocean acidification. The Point: The complex patterns of the changes and the movement of water in the atmosphere, determined by winds, landforms, and ocean temperatures and currents, are major determinants of local weather patterns (NGSS MS-ESS2-5), and clarify evidence of the factors that have caused the rise in global temperatures over the past century (NGSS MS-ESS3-5).
Week 3 (Apr 24): We will start looking at the factors that influence weather, such as the unequal heating of Earth's surfaces, through some hands-on labs. The Point: The complex patterns of the changes and the movement of water in the atmosphere, determined by winds, landforms, and ocean temperatures and currents, are major determinants of local weather patterns (NGSS MS-ESS2-5), construct an argument supported by evidence for how increases in human population and per-capita consumption of natural resources impact Earth's systems (NGSS MS-ESS3-4, ETS1-2), clarify evidence of the factors that have caused the rise in global temperatures over the past century (NGSS MS-ESS3-5).
Week 4 (May 1): We will continue with the factors that influence weather, including the water cycle. We will work to "Save the World" with the new Bill Nye show and a related action project. We will also explore the effects of climate change via the movie "The Day After Tomorrow." The Point: The complex patterns of the changes and the movement of water in the atmosphere, determined by winds, landforms, and ocean temperatures and currents, are major determinants of local weather patterns (NGSS MS-ESS2-5), construct an argument supported by evidence for how increases in human population and per-capita consumption of natural resources impact Earth's systems (NGSS MS-ESS3-4, ETS1-2), clarify evidence of the factors that have caused the rise in global temperatures over the past century (NGSS MS-ESS3-5). Human activities have significantly altered the biosphere, sometimes damaging or destroying natural habitats and causing the extinction of other species. But changes to Earth’s environments can have different impacts (negative and positive) for different living things.(NGSS MS-ESS3.C)
Week 5 (May 8): We will learn about ocean currents and marine debris. The Point: The complex patterns of the changes and the movement of water in the atmosphere, determined by winds, landforms, and ocean temperatures and currents, are major determinants of local weather patterns (NGSS MS-ESS2-5), describe how unequal heating and rotation of the Earth cause patterns of atmospheric and oceanic circulation that determine regional climates (NGSS MS-ESS2-6). Human activities have significantly altered the biosphere, sometimes damaging or destroying natural habitats and causing the extinction of other species. But changes to Earth’s environments can have different impacts (negative and positive) for different living things.(NGSS MS-ESS3.C)
Week 6 (May 15): We will take a quiz to show our learning about weather and climate. The Point: The complex patterns of the changes and the movement of water in the atmosphere, determined by winds, landforms, and ocean temperatures and currents, are major determinants of local weather patterns (NGSS MS-ESS2-5), and clarify evidence of the factors that have caused the rise in global temperatures over the past century (NGSS MS-ESS3-5).
Documents and assignments are linked below.
Hurricane Ridge Field Experience
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse