What causes changes in the weather? What is the relationship between weather and climate? These questions are central to big-picture investigations of these phenomena. 

This unit starts by looking at Earth’s atmosphere, the mixture of gases surrounding the planet. The oxygen we need makes up only about twenty percent of the atmosphere. Another important gas in the air is water vapor, which— through evaporation, condensation, and precipitation—plays a big part in weather. 

Meteorologists and climatologists study patterns of weather over different scales of time. Data on wind speed and direction are important to meteorologists because they demonstrate 
predictable patterns. Meteorologists also use other kinds of information to forecast the weather. Climatologists study patterns over longer time periods using much of the same data.

Students also learn that some forms of weather can be severe and hazardous, such as a hurricane, a tornado, or a lightning storm. People can design solutions to prepare for hazardous weather and to minimize risks.

Class Structure

I use a multi-media presentation style to engage learners. Individual lessons may a combination of lecture, text, games, video clips, discussion or reflection, as well as handouts. 

Students may demonstrate their learning through reading out loud, writing in chat, completing worksheets or taking notes in a journal. Each class has ample opportunity for individualized student engagement as I keep the class size small to allow for extra wait time and discussion.