Students will:

1. Operate safely in the laboratory, field and classroom.

2. Demonstrate the use of the scientific method in studying the environment.

3. Utilize the Internet, computer-based laboratory equipment and other technology in the acquisition and analysis of laboratory data and other information.

4. Review Newton’s laws of motion, centrifugal force, and gravity.

5. Describe the characteristics of the Earth’s atmosphere.

6. Describe the relationship between the Earth and Sun in determining the seasons.

7. Understand the mechanisms of heat transfer and their role in weather.

8. Determine the relationship between land and water in determining weather.

9. Discuss the role of phase changes in cloud and precipitation formation as well as cloud type formations.

10. Understand the significance of humidity in determining weather.

11. Discuss the role of air stability in weather.

12. Describe the different types of precipitation associated with weather fronts or other atmospheric disturbances.

13. Understand different types of fronts have basic characteristics and causes.

14. List the basic types of severe weather and how they develop.

15. Identify the major climatic regions of the world and causes of climate change.

16. Describe the impact of human activity on weather.

17. Analyze weather data to predict weather patterns.

18. Describe and explain the factors that act as climate controls such as proximity to water, topography, and latitude.

19. Describe how El nino and La nina affect climate.