Science 1206
Course Description
This is an introductory academic science course providing students with a flavor of Biology, Chemistry, Earth Systems and Physics courses in which they may enroll concurrently or subsequently. Topics include sustainability of ecosystems (Biology), weather dynamics (Earth Systems), chemical naming and reactions (Chemistry) as well as uniform and accelerated motion (Physics).
Authorized Learning Resource
Homework Central
Wed June 10: This period was used as a review session in preparation for our upcoming final exam.
Tues June 9: This period was used as a review session in preparation for our upcoming final exam.
Thurs June 4: Students wrote the Unit 4 Test - Sustainability of Ecosystems (Biology).
Wed June 3: Please review our continued notes and discussion of Topic D - Nutrient Cycles. Be familiar with human impacts on the Carbon Cycle including (a) deforestation and (b) combustion of fossil fuels (greenhouse effect). (2) Nitrogen Cycle. Note the processes of (a) nitrogen fixation, (b) nitrification and (c) denitrification. The remainder of this class was used for review.
Unit 4 Test - Thurs June 4
Mon June 1: Please review our introduction to Topic D - Nutrient Cycles. Be familiar with 4 major nutrients that compose the body of living things and that nutrients are in limited supply and move in a cycle. Be familiar with the general nutrient cycle between (a) assimilation and (b) decomposition. Note 2 nutrient cycles: (1) carbon cycle. Be able to discuss (a) sources of carbon into the atmosphere and (b) sources of carbon returning to the lithosphere. n...to be continued.
Unit 4 Test - Thurs June 4
Fri May 29: Please review our continued notes and discussion of Topic D - Populations. Note the surplus and dieback related to carrying capacity and that carrying capacities of ecosystems can change (ex: with the seasons). Be familiar with 2 types of limiting factors (a) density dependent limiting factors (usually abiotic) and (b) density dependent limiting factors (usually biotic). Also review our discussion of a niche. Be able to give an example of the niche of an organism such as a moose. Note the rule that "no two species can occupy the same niche". Note the 2 situations: (a) identical niches resulting in competitive exclusion and (b) similar niche resulting in coexistence.
Assign 3 - Populations (Due Mon)
Unit 4 Test - Thurs June 4
Wed May 27: Please review our introduction to Topic D: Populations. Review the definition of a population and how population growth can be calculated using a population growth formula. Note 3 types of population growth curves: (1) J-Shaped Curve representing growth in unlimited environments (not common in nature), (2) S-Shaped Curve representing growth in environments where there are limiting factors (common in nature). Be familiar with the 3 stages of this curve: (a) lag phase, (b) exponential phase and (c) equilibrium phase. (3) Predator-Prey Curves which tend to cycle...to be continued.
Unit 4 Test - Thurs June 4
Tues May 26: Please review our introduction to Topic C - Biomes. Note the definition of a biome and the biomes of Canada (tundra, boreal forest, grassland, temperate deciduous forest, mountain forest) with their indicator plants and animals. Be familiar with factors determining the distribution of biomes: (1) latitude, (2) climate and (3) altitude. Our province consists of 2 of these biomes (tundra and boreal forest). Be familiar with the characteristic of the boreal forest biome: location, precipitation, temperature, landscape, indictor plants & animals, their adaptations and threats to sustainability.
Unit 4 Test - Thurs June 4
Mon May 25: Please review our continued notes and discussion of Topic B - Sustainability and Components of Ecosystems. Note the components of ecosystems: (1) Biotic Components - (a) living or recently living plants, animals and microorganisms, (b) predator-prey interactions, (c) competition interactions (include interspecific and intraspecific competition) and (d) symbiotic interactions (mutualism, parasitism and commensalism). (2) Abiotic Components.
Assign 2 - Sustainability & Components of Ecosystems (Due Tues)
Thurs May 21: Note two important processes involved with energy in ecosystems: (1) photosynthesis (stores energy from the sun) and (2) cellular respiration (uses energy). Also review our introduction to Topic B - Sustainability and Components of Ecosystems. Note the definition of sustainability, sustainable use of ecosystems (with examples) and unsustainable use. Our level of sustainable use can be measured with an ecological footprint...to be continued.
Assign 1 - Terms and Ecosystem Introduction (Due Mon)
Wed May 20: Please review our continued notes and discussion of Topic A - Review of Important Terms: Be familiar with how ecologists represent energy flow through diagrams: (2) food webs and why they are more common in nature and stable. (3) pyramids of energy (trophic efficiency and the Rule of 10.)...to be continued.
Thurs May 14: Please review our continued notes and discussion of Unit 4 - Sustainability of Ecosystems (Biology), Topic A - Review of Important Terms: (5) species, (6) population, (7) community, (8) habitat and niche. Also review Energy in ecosystems. Note its continuous supply from the sun and energy's one-way flow. Be familiar with how ecologists represent energy flow through diagrams: (1) food chains. Know the definition, why they are uncommon in nature, why they are fragile and related terms (producers, consumers, trophic levels)..to be continued.
Wed May 13: We completed the sample problems exploring accelerated motion. We also examined what accelerated motion looks like on a d-t graph. Please review our introduction to Unit 4 - Sustainability of Ecosystems (Biology). We started with Topic A - Review of Important Terms: (1) ecology, (2) ecologist, (3) ecosystem, (4) spheres of the Earth...to be continued.
Assign 9 - Accelerated Motion (Due Thurs)
Mon May 11: Please review our introduction to Topic E - Non-Uniform / Accelerated Motion. Note the definition of acceleration and 2 types of acceleration: (1) positive acceleration and (2) negative acceleration. Be familiar with the acceleration symbol, formula, units, formula rearrangements and how to determine if an object is speeding up or slowing down. We worked through several sample problems...to be continued.
Fri May 8: Students completed the Unit 3 - Physics (Motion) Test.
Wed May 6: This was a review class in preparation for the upcoming unit test.
Physics Unit Test - Fri, May 8th
Tues May 5: This was a review class in preparation for the upcoming unit test.
Physics Unit Test - Fri, May 8th
Mon May 4: Students completed Lab 1 - Uniform Motion using ticker tape timers and modern motion detectors.
Lab 1 - Uniform Motion (Due Tues)
Physics Unit Test - Fri, May 8th
Thurs Apr 30: Please review our continued notes and discussion of Topic D - Graphing Uniform Motion. Review how to convert a d-t graph to a v-t graph. We completed a pre-lab for Lab 1 - Uniform Motion.
Physics Unit Test - Wed, May 6th
Wed Apr 29: Please review our notes and discussion of how to interpret d-t graphs using the following information: (a) position of line segment means position of the object and (b) slope of line segment means direction of motion. We worked through several examples...to be continued.
Assign 8 - Graphing Uniform Motion (Due Thurs) Physics Unit Test - Wed, May 6th
Fri Apr 24: Please review our continued notes and discussion of Topic D - Graphing Uniform Motion. Note that a larger slope means a higher speed or velocity. Be familiar with how to interpolate and extrapolate from a set of data...to be continued.
Physics Unit Test - Wed, May 6th
Thurs Apr 23: Please review our notes and discussion of Topic D - Graphing Uniform Motion. Note that a straight sloped line on a distance time graph indicates uniform motion (constant speed). Note that a straight sloped line on a displacement time graph indicates uniform motion (constant velocity). Students practiced calculating the slope of these lines using the slope formula which represents speed or velocity. Please review how to calculate a Line of Best Fit to show these relationships....to be continued.
Tues Apr 21: We completed our problems related to average velocity.
Assign 7 - Average Velocity (Due Thurs)
Mon Apr 20: Please review our continued problems exploring average speed. We investigated problems that require a conversion. Also review our introduction to (2) Velocity. Note that it is a vector quantity (direction is important). Be familiar with the symbol for velocity, its formula, units, definition of constant velocity and all formula rearrangements. We worked through several sample problems...to be continued.
Assign 6 - Average Speed (Due Tues)
Thurs Apr 16: Please review our introduction to Topic C - Speed vs Velocity. Note that speed is a scalar quantity. We discussed the difference between average speed and instantaneous speed using Usain Bolt's 100 m world record sprint data. Note the speed symbol, formula, units and formula rearrangements. We worked through several sample problems. Note where unit conversions are necessary...to be continued.
Wed Apr 15: Please review our continued discussion of Topic B - Distance vs Displacement. We worked 2 types of sample problems: (B) from two given positions. Be able to solve problems using the formula and a scale vector diagram.
Assign 5 - Distance and Displacement (Due Thurs)
Tues Apr 14: Please review our continued discussion of Topic B - Distance vs Displacement. We worked 2 types of sample problems: Be able to solve problems using the formula and a scale vector diagram. (A) initial position is assumed to be zero. Be able to solve problems using the formula and a scale vector diagram...to be continued.
Mon Mar 30: Please review our continued notes and discussion of (5) Sources of Errors: (c) parallax. We completed a worksheet exploring the various Types of Errors. Also review our introduction to Topic B - Distance vs Displacement. (1) Distance - Be familiar with the definition, symbol, units of distance, scalar quantity and the distance formula. (2) Displacement - Be familiar with the definition, symbol, units of displacement, vector quantity, the displacement formula and the sign convention...to be continued.
Fri Mar 20: Please review our notes and discussion of (4) Precision vs Accuracy. Precision refers to the exactness of a measuring device and repeatability of measurement. Accuracy refers to how close an experimental measurement is to an accepted value. Accuracy can be measured using a percent error formula. Also review our discussion of (5) Sources of Errors: (a) random error (two-sided error) which can be reduced through averaging of many measurements. (b) systematic error (one sided error) which can be reduced by adding or subtracting the know error or by machine calibration....to be continued.
Thurs Mar 26: Students completed Quiz 2 - Math Operations. Please review our notes and sample problems exploring (3) Conversion Factors - a method of converting between units.
Assign 4 - Conversion Factors (Due Fri)
Mon Mar 23: Students completed Quiz 1 - Significant Digits. Please review our notes and sample problems exploring (3) Conversion Factors - a method of converting between units.
Quiz 2 - Math Operations (Thurs)
Thurs Mar 19: Please review our continued notes and discussion of Topic A - Math Skills: (2) Scientific Notation. Note the purpose of scientific notation: (a) a convenient way to represent a very large of very small number and (b) a method of making a number with an uncertain number of significant digits certain. Be familiar with how to convert (a) expanded form to scientific notation and (b) scientific notation to expanded form.
Assign 3 - Scientific Notation (Due Mon)
Wed Mar 18: Please review our continued notes and discussion of Topic A - Math Skills: (c) multiplying and dividing using the least number of significant digits and (d) adding and subtracting using the least number of decimal places. We worked through several examples. Also review our introduction to (2) Scientific Notation. Note the purpose of scientific notation: (a) a convenient way to represent a very large of very small number and (b) a method of making a number with an uncertain number of significant digits certain...to be continued.
Assign 2 - Math Operations (Due Thurs)
Quiz 1 - Significant Digs From Scales and Numbers (Mon March 23rd)
Tues Mar 17: Please review our continued notes and discussion of Topic A - Math Skills: (b) the correct amount of significant digits in a number, (c) multiplying and dividing using the least number of significant digits. We worked through several examples.
Assign 1 - Significant Digits (Due Wed)
Wed Mar 11: Please review our introduction to Unit 3 - Physics. We bein with Topic A - Math Skills. Be familiar with the concept of (1) Significant Digits / Figures. Note how to determine (a) the correct number of significant digits from a scale, (b) the correct amount of significant digits in a number...to be continued.
Fri Feb 27: Students wrote the Unit 2 - Chemical Reactions Test.
Thurs Mar 5: This period was used as review in preparation for the upcoming Chemistry Unit Test. We worked through questions from the review sheet.
Unit 2 - Chemistry Test (Updated: Fri Mar 6th)
Tues Mar 3: This period was used as review in preparation for the upcoming Chemistry Unit Test. We worked through questions from the review sheet.
Unit 2 - Chemistry Test (Updated: Fri Mar 6th)
Thurs Feb 26: Please review our continued notes and discussion of Topic H - Rates of Reactions: (3) concentration and (4) light intensity. Students completed Lab 4 - Reaction Rates.
Lab 4 - Reaction Rates (Due Tues)
Unit 2 - Chemistry Test (Fri Mar 6th)
Mon Feb 16: Please review our continued notes and discussion of Topic H - Rates of Reactions. Be familiar with the 4 factors that impact reaction rate and how Collision Theory can be used to explain the change in reaction rate: (3) concentration...to be continued.
Unit 2 - Chemistry Test (Wed Feb 25)
Fri Feb 13: Students were given class time to complete Lab 3 - Acids and Bases. Please review our notes and discussion of Topic H - Rates of Reactions. Note the definition of reaction rate. Note the 3 requirements for successful collisions based on Collision Theory. Be familiar with the 4 factors that impact reaction rate and how Collision Theory can be used to explain the change in reaction rate: (1) temperature, (2) surface area...to be continued.
Lab 2 - Acids and Bases / pH (Due Mon)
Unit 2 - Chemistry Test (Wed Feb 25)
Thurs Feb 12: Students were given class time to complete Lab 3 - Acids and Bases. Please review our notes and discussion of Topic H - Rates of Reactions. Note the definition of reaction rate....to be continued.
Unit 2 - Chemistry Test (Wed Feb 25)
Tues Feb 10: Please review our continued notes and discussion of Topic G - Acids and Bases. Note the changes of color of the following indicators in acids, bases and neutral substances: (4) phenolphthalein. Students completed Lab 2 - Acids and Bases (Indicators).
Lab 2 Acids and Bases - Due Thurs
Mon Feb 9: Students completed Lab 2 - Reaction Types Lab.
Lab Due - Tues
Thurs Feb 5: Midterm Exams were returned for review. Please review our continued notes and discussion of Topic G - Acids and Bases. We discussed the pH Scale. This stands for "power of hydrogen" and is a scale between 0-14 that measures acidity or basicity of a substance. Note where acids, bases and neutral substances are located on this scale and their relative concentration of hydrogen ion or hydroxide ion. Note that the scale is logarithmic (we completed problems related to the base 10 scale). Note how the pH of a substance can be measured using indicators. Note the changes of color of the following indicators in acid, base and neutral substances: (1) blue litmus, (2) red litmus, (3) pH paper / universal ...to be continued.
Tues Feb 3: Upcoming! Students completed Lab 2 - Reaction Types.
Lab 2 - Reaction Types (Due Wed)
Fri Jan 23: This class was used as a review period in preparation for the upcoming Midterm Exam.
Midterm Exam - Mon Jan 26th (12:40 - 1:55) Room: 202
Wed Jan 21: This class was used as a review period in preparation for the upcoming Midterm Exam.
Midterm Exam - Wed Jan 28th (9:10 - 10:25) Room: 202
Tues Jan 20: This class was used as a review period in preparation for the upcoming Midterm Exam. We focused on a review of Unit 1 - Reproduction.
Midterm Exam - Wed Jan 28th (9:10 - 10:25) Room: 202
Fri Jan 16: We completed our discussion of reaction types. Please review our introduction to Topic G - Acids and Bases: (1) Acids. Note the definition of an acid, its physical and chemical properties and how acids can be identified by the presence of hydrogen ion (H+). (2) Bases. Note the definition of a base, its physical and chemical properties and how bases can be identified by the presence of hydroxide ion (OH-)...to be continued.
Thurs Jan 15: Please review our notes and discussion of Topic F - Reaction Types: (3) single replacement, (4) double replacement and hydrocarbon combustion.
Assign 4 - Reaction Types (Due Fri)
Wed Jan 14: We discussed how to balance complete hydrocarbon combustion reactions. Please review our notes and discussion of Topic F - Reaction Types. Be able to identify the following reaction types based on the reaction skeleton: (1) formation (synthesis), (2) decomposition, (3) single replacement...to be continued.
Assign 3 - Balancing Chemical Equations (Due Thurs)
Mon Jan 12: We corrected the balancing chemical equation worksheet.
Fri Jan 9: Please review our continued notes and discussion of Topic E: Balancing Chemical Equations. We worked through several sample problems. Students completed a related worksheet.
Wed Jan 7: Please review our continued notes and discussion of Topic E: Balancing Chemical Equations. Note the following definitions: chemical reaction, chemical equation, reactants and products. Know the principle behind balancing equations; the Law of Conservation of Mass. We completed tips / guidelines for balancing equations and worked through a sample problem.
Tues Jan 6: We discussed Lab 1 - Physical Properties of Molecular and Ionic Compounds. Students shared data.
Lab 1 - Physical Prop. of Molecular and Ionic Compounds (Due Wed)
Thurs Dec 18: Students used class time to work on their lab report.
Wed Dec 17: Students gathered data and completed Lab 1 - Physical Properties of Molecular and Ionic Compounds.
Mon Dec 15: Students completed Quiz 3 - Ionic Compounds.
Fri Dec 12: We continued with review in preparation for Quiz 3 - Ionic Compounds on Monday.
Quiz 3 - Ionic Compounds (Monday)
Thurs Dec 11: We completed a pre-lab for Lab 1 - Physical Properties of Molecular and Ionic Compounds. We reviewed topics that are included on the Ionic Compounds Quiz on Monday.
Quiz 3 - Ionic Compounds (Monday)
Tues Dec 9: We discussed the naming of Ionic Compounds that include polyatomic ions. We worked through examples moving from symbols to names and names to symbols.
Quiz 3 - Ionic Compounds (Monday)
Mon Dec 8: We corrected the Naming Ionic Compounds Multivalent worksheet and worked on additional examples.
Quiz 3 - Ionic Compounds (Monday)
Thurs Dec 4: Please view our notes and discussion of Topic D - Ionic Compounds: Rule Set 2 - Naming Ionic Compounds Multivalent. Students worked on a related worksheet.
Tues Dec 2: Students worked on and we corrected (1) Rule Set 1 - Naming Ionic Compounds Univalent Worksheet. We worked through several sample problems.
Fri Oct 28: Please view our continued notes and discussion of Topic D - Ionic Compounds. We discussed how the Energy Level Diagram can be used as a model of ionic bonding. Also review naming of ionic compounds: (1) Rule Set 1 - Ions With One Type of Charge (Univalent). We worked through examples from symbols to names and from names to symbols....to be continued.
Thurs Nov 27: Students completed Quiz 2 - Molecular Compounds. Please review our continued notes and discussion of Topic D - Ionic Compounds. We discussed how the Energy Level Diagram can be used as a model of ionic bonding...to be continued.
Tues Nov 25: We completed review in preparation for Quiz 2. Please review our introduction to Topic D - Ionic Compounds. Be aware that ionic compound form large structures called a crystal lattice which maximize attractions and minimize repulsions in the framework. Also review physical properties of ionic compounds including (a) melting point / boiling point, (b) hardness, (c) state, (d) solubility of solution, (e) conductivity of solution and (f) color of solution...to be continued.
Quiz 2 - Molecular Compounds (Thurs)
Mon Nov 24: Please review our introduction to Topic D - Ionic Compounds. Be familiar with the definition, ion composition and the 3 possibilities that form ionic compounds: (metal with non-metal , metal with polyatomic ions and polyatomic ion with polyatomic ion). Note that the formula of an ionic compound is called an empirical formula and it represents the simplest whole number ratio of ions. Be aware that ionic compound form large structures called a crystal lattice which maximize attractions and minimize repulsions in the framework. Also review physical properties of ionic compounds including (a) melting point / boiling point, (b) hardness, (c) state, (d) solubility of solution, (e) conductivity of solution and (f) color of solution...to be continued.
Quiz 2 - Molecular Compounds (Thurs)
Fri Nov 21: Students worked on and then we corrected Worksheet 1 - Naming of Molecular Compounds.
Wed Nov 19: Please review our continued notes and discussion of Topic (C) - Molecular Compounds. We discussed the naming of molecular compounds following IUPAC rules including (1) Rule Set 1 - symbols to names, (2) Rule Set 2 - names to symbols, (3) common / trivial names, (4) molecular diatomic elements, (5) molecular polyatomic elements and (6) molecular monoatomic elements. We worked through several examples. Students practiced naming using a worksheet.
Worksheet 1 - Molecular Compounds Naming
Tues Nov 18: Students wrote Quiz 1 - Safety and the Periodic Table. We continued discussion of Topic (C) - Molecular Compounds. Note how intermolecular forces relate to the following physical properties: (a) melting point / boiling point, (b) hardness, (c) state, (d) solubility of solution, (e) conductivity of solution and (f) color of solution...to be continued.
Fri Nov 14: Please review our continued notes and discussion of Topic (C) - Molecular Compounds. We continued examples of covalent bonding using the Lewis Diagram. Note that the formula of a molecular compound is called a molecular formula and it contains exact numbers of atoms. Note the two types of forces involved with these compounds: (a) intramolecular forces (within molecules) and (b) intermolecular forces (between molecules)...to be continued.
Quiz 1 - Tues Nov 18
Assign 2 (Due Wed)
Thurs Nov 13: Please review our introduction to Topic (C) - Molecular Compounds. Be familiar with the definition of a molecular compound (formed from 2 non-metals), the type of bonding (covalent bonding) and the use of a Lewis Diagram (Electron Dot Model) to explain covalent bonding. Be familiar with the difference between lone pairs and bonding groups. ...to be continued.
Quiz 1 - Tues Nov 18
Assign 2 (Due Wed)
Wed Nov 12: Please review our continued notes and discussion of Topic B - Periodic Table Introduction. Note that the atomic number equals the number of protons and number of electrons (if the atom is neutral). Be familiar with the information contained in an element block and how the solid staircase separates metals and non-metals. We also noted how the Periodic Table is organized into (1) horizontal periods and (2) vertical groups / families. Be familiar with the names of some special families of elements.
Quiz 1 - Tues Nov 18
Assign 1 - Metal or Non-Metal (Due Thurs)
Thurs Nov 6: Please review our continued notes and discussion of Topic A - Safety: (2) SDS intended for those who work with chemicals in their job. We reviewed the sixteen sections of a Safety Data Sheet and the information they contain. Also review Topic B - Periodic Table Introduction. Note that elements of the table are made of atoms and that atoms contain 3 subatomic particles (note their location, charge and relative mass)...to be continued. Note that the atomic number equals the number of protons and the number of electrons if the atom is neutral.
Quiz 1 - Tues Nov 18
Wed Nov 5: Please review our introduction to Unit 2 - Chemical Reactions. We started this unit with a review of safety: Topic A - Safety (WMHIS) and SDS. Please review WHMIS (2015) noting the red diamond symbols and the associated hazard: (1) exploding bomb, (2) flame, (3) flame over circle, (4) gas cylinder, (5) corrosion, (6) skull and crossbones, (7) health hazard, (8) exclamation mark, (9) environment and (10) biohazardous infectious material.
Mon Nov 3: Students wrote the Unit 1 Test - Weather Dynamics.
Fri Oct 31: This class was a review period in preparation for the upcoming test.
Weather Test - Mon Nov 3rd
Thurs Oct 30: Please review our continued notes and discussion of Topic J - Climate Change. Note how we know about past climate through (2) fossil record and (3) ice cores. Be familiar with the cause of climate change (enhanced greenhouse effect due to greenhouse gases). Note how we know about past climate through (2) fossil record and (3) ice cores. Be familiar with the cause of climate change - greenhouse gas emissions accelerating the enhanced greenhouse effect. Note examples of greenhouse gases. We discusses some impacts of climate change: (1) melting of sea / land ice, (2) altered habitats, (3) warmer oceans (4) rising sea levels and (5) more violent storms. End of unit!
Weather Test - Mon Nov 3rd
Tues Oct 28: Please review our continued notes and discussion of Topic I - Extreme Weather. Note the following forms of extreme weather and how they form: (4) nor'easters, (5) blizzards and (6) El Nino and La Nina. Also review our introduction to Topic J - Climate Change. Be familiar with the cause of climate change (enhanced greenhouse effect due to greenhouse gases). Note how we know about past climate through (1) tree rings...to be continued.
Weather Test - Mon Nov 3rd
Mon Oct 27: Please review our notes and discussion of Topic I - Extreme Weather. Note the following forms of extreme weather and how they form: (1) thunderstorms, (2) tornadoes, (3) hurricanes...to be continued.
Weather Test - Mon Nov 3rd
Thurs Oct 23: Please review our notes and discussion of Topic H - Remote Sensing. Note the definition of remote sensing. Note how the following technologies provide weather data: (2) weather radar and (3) weather satellites (GOES & POES). Students were provided with time to work on Assign 10 - Weather Forecasting.
Assign 10 - Weather Forecasting - Due Thurs
Weather Test - Mon Nov 3rd
Wed Oct 22: Please review our continued notes and discussion of Topic F - Measuring Weather. (f) wind direction - wind vane. Also review our introduction to Topic G - Weather Forecasting. Be familiar with the difference between current weather conditions and a weather forecast. Note 2 types of forecasting: (1) short range forecast for 2 days a) persistence forecasting and b) nowcasting and (2) long range forecast for 3-7 days. Also review our notes and discussion of Topic H - Remote Sensing. Note the definition of remote sensing. Note how the following technologies provide weather data: (1) weather balloons (radiosonde)...to be continued.
Weather Test - Mon Nov 3rd
Tues Oct 21: Please review our continued notes and discussion of Topic F - Measuring Weather (d) relative humidity. We discussed the use of a sling psychrometer and students used one to collect relative humidity data, (e) wind speed - anemometer, (f) wind direction - wind vane ...to be continued.
Assign 9 - Relative Humidity (Due Fri)
Fri Oct 17: Please review our continued discussion of Topic F - Measuring Weather. Be familiar with the following weather instruments including how they work, appropriate units and whether they collect qualitative or quantitative data: (a) temperature - thermometer (b) precipitation - rain gauge or meter stick,(c) atmospheric pressure - aneroid barometer, (d) relative humidity. We discussed the use of a sling psychrometer and students used one to collect relative humidity data...to be continued.
Thurs Oct 16: Students wrote Unit 1 Quiz 2 - Causes of Weather. Please review our notes and discussion exploring Topic F - Measuring Weather. Be familiar with the following weather instruments including how they work, appropriate units and whether they collect qualitative or quantitative data: (a) temperature..to be continued.
Tues Oct 14: Please review our continued notes and discussion of Topic E - Causes of Weather: (6) Ocean Currents. (b) deep currents. Note that deep currents are caused by differences in salt concentration and temperature in ocean water (thermohaline current). Students completed Assign 8 - Ocean Currents.
Assign 8 - Ocean Currents (Due Tues) Quiz #2 - Thurs
Fri Oct 10: Please review our continued notes and discussion of Topic E - Causes of Weather: (5) Fronts. Note the characteristics of the 4 front types and be able to recognize these from a diagram: (c) stationary front and (d) occluded front. (6) Ocean Currents. Note two different ocean currents and their causes: (a) surface currents and (b) deep currents. Note that deep currents are caused by differences in salt concentration and temperature in ocean water (thermohaline current)...to be continued.
Assign 7 - Fronts (Due Fri)
Quiz #2 - Thurs
Tues Oct 7: Please review our continued notes and discussion of Topic E - Causes of Weather: (3) Global Wind Systems (c) polar easterlies. (4) Jetstream. Note how it separates cold polar air above the jet and warm tropical air below the jetstream. Also review our discussion of (5) Fronts. Note the definition of a front, their symbols and why they typically bring precipitation. Note the characteristics of the 4 front types and be able to recognize these from a diagram: (a) cold front, (b) warm front...to be continued.
Mon Oct 6: Please review our continued notes and discussion of Topic E - Causes of Weather: (2) Air Masses. Students completed Assignment 6 - Air Masses. Also review our introduction to (3) Global Wind Systems. Note the definition of prevailing winds and the TWO reasons why these winds follow curved paths: (a) Coriolis Effect and (b) convection currents. Note the three major prevailing wind systems and their location on a map: (a) trade winds, (b) prevailing westerlies and (c) polar easterlies.....to be continued.
Assign 6 - Air Masses (Due Mon)
Thurs Oct 2: Students completed Assign 5 - Atmospheric Pressure. Also review our notes and discussion of Topic E - Causes of Weather: (2) Air Masses. Note the definition of an air mass, their size, lack of movement and function in redistribution of heat energy. Note the properties of the following air masses and be able to label them on a map of North America: (a) maritime polar, (b) continental polar, (c) maritime tropical, (d) continental tropical and (e) arctic air mass. Students worked on Assignment 6 - Air Masses.
Assign 5 - Atmospheric Pressure (Due Mon)
Wed Oct 1: Students completed Unit 1 Quiz 1. Students also completed Assign 5 - Atmospheric Pressure.
Assign 5 - Atmospheric Pressure (Due Wed)
Thurs Sept 25: Please review our introduction to Topic E - Causes of Weather: (1) Atmospheric Pressure. Be familiar with the definition of atmospheric pressure and the appropriate units. Be familiar with the difference between (a) vertical pressure and (b) horizontal pressure. Be familiar with the explanation of a high pressure system noting sinking air, clear weather, clockwise rotation and isobars that are far apart. Be familiar with the explanation of a low pressure system noting rising air, cloudy weather, anticlockwise rotation and isobars that are close together...to be continued.
Quiz 1- Wed Oct 1st
Tues Sept 23: Please review our continued notes and discussion of Topic D: Energy Transfer in the Water Cycle. Be familiar with the various stages for the heating curve for water. Note that when temperature is increasing that all energy goes into faster particle movement (kinetic energy increase). Note that when temperature is stable that all energy goes into moving the particles further apart (potential energy increase).
Assign 4 - Energy Changes In The Water Cycle (Due Thurs)
Quiz 1- Wed Oct 1st
Mon Sept 23: Please review our introduction to Topic D: Energy Transfer in the Water Cycle. Note the definition of the water cycle and its components: (a) evaporation, (b) transpiration, (c) sublimation, (d) condensation, (e) precipitation, (f) infiltration, (g) percolation and (h) runoff. Focus on how this cycle moves energy. Note the difference between system (water) and surroundings (the atmosphere). Note energy changes in (a) evaporation and melting and (b) condensation and freezing. Note 2 types of energy: (1) kinetic energy which is energy of motion connected with temperature changes and (2) potential energy PE which is connected with changes of state ..to be continued.
Quiz 1- Wed Oct 1st
Fri Sept 19: Students completed Lab 2 - Heat Sinks
Lab 2 Heat Sinks - Due Fri
Wed Sept 17: Please review our continued notes and discussion of Topic C- Factors Affecting Absorption of Energy. (2) Specific Heat. Note (a) substances with high specific heat / heat sinks. These heat slowly and cool slowly like Earth's hydrosphere and atmosphere. (b) substances with low specific heat. These heat quickly and cool quickly like Earth's lithosphere. We worked through several sample problems...to be continued.
Tues Sept 16: Students collected data for Lab 1 - Albedo. Students completed this lab report.
Lab 1 - Albedo and Surfaces (Due Tues)
Assign 3 - Methods of Energy Transfer (Due Tues)
Fri Sept 12: Please review our continued notes and discussion of Topic B - Methods of Heat Transfer. Note the journey of energy and how these 3 methods of energy transfer heat the Earth. Also review our introduction to Topic C- Factors Affecting Absorption of Energy. (1) Albedo - measuring reflection of energy. Be familiar with the definition and the unitless scale: 0 - low albedo (low reflection and high absorption) and 1 - high albedo (high reflection and low absorption). Study how albedo is impacted by (b) color of the surface (white has high albedo, dark has low albedo) and (b) angle of incidence (morning has low angle with high albedo, noon has 90 degree angle with low albedo)...to be continued.
Assign 3 - Methods of Energy Transfer (Due Tues)
Thurs Sept 11: Please review our continued notes and discussion of Topic B - Methods of Heat Transfer: (2) conduction - by direct collision of particles and (3) convection / advection - by movement of particles in a circular path. In each case be familiar with which methods of energy transfer work in each sphere....to be continued.
Wed Sept 10: Please review our continued notes and discussion exploring the Topic A - Weather, Climate, Weather Lore and Spheres. Be familiar with the 4 interacting spheres of Earth that are impacted by weather: (a) atmosphere, (b) lithosphere, (c) hydrosphere and (d) biosphere. Also review our introduction to Topic B - Methods of Heat Transfer: (1) radiation - in the form of waves (include Earth's Energy Budget and types of radiation)...to be continued.
Assign 2 - Weather Lore (Due Thurs)
Mon Sept 8 - We introduced Unit 1 - Weather Dynamics. We started with Topic A - Weather, Climate, Weather Lore and Spheres. Be familiar with the definition of weather and its components including appropriate units - (a) temperature, (b) precipitation, (c) atmospheric pressure, (d) humidity, (e) wind speed & direction and (f) sky cover. Note the difference between weather and climate. Note the definition of weather folklore / weather proverbs / weather sayings and how these are based on years of observations but are not always scientifically accurate...to be continued.
Assign 1 - Describing Weather (Due Wed)
Fri Sept 5: Welcome to Science 1206! Let's look forward to a great year of learning together. Today you received your course descriptor and evaluation scheme, had the opportunity to join our Google Classroom and were introduced to my website. The remainder of the period was used to distribute textbooks.
