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
Fri Oct 2: Please review our introduction to Topic E - Causes of Weather. We introduced the first cause of weather: (1) Atmospheric Pressure. Note the definition of atmospheric pressure, appropriate units and atmospheric pressure at sea level (101.3 kPa). Be familiar with the difference between vertical pressure and horizontal pressure. Note the characteristics of (a) high pressure systems (air travels over cool land or water, sinking air, clockwise anti-cyclone spin, clear skies, warm and isobars far apart). Be able to recognize diagrams for both...to be continued.
Quiz 1 - Thursday Oct 8th
Thurs Oct 1: Please review our continued notes and discussion exploring Topic D - Energy Transfer in the Water Cycle. Note two types of energy (a) kinetic energy - related to motion of particles and temperature and (b) potential - related to position of particles and state / phase. We discussed the various stages of the heating curve for water noting either kinetic or potential energy increases...to be continued.
Assign 4 - Energy Changes Water Cycle (Due Fri) Quiz 1 - Thursday Oct 8th
Tues Sept 29: Please review our notes and discussion exploring Topic D - Energy Transfer in the Water Cycle. Note the definition of the water cycle as a way to transfer energy through the following processes: (a) evaporation, (b) transpiration, (c) sublimation, (d) condensation, (e) precipitation, (f) infiltration, (g) percolation and (h) runoff. Be able to label a diagram. Note how this cycle moves water but also shifts heat energy: (a) evaporation and melting (heat energy is gained by the system moving particles apart and lost by the surroundings) and (b) condensation and freezing (heat energy is lost by the system moving particles together and gained by the surroundings). Note two types of energy (a) kinetic energy - related to motion of particles and temperature and (b) potential - related to position of particles...to be continued.
Mon Sept 28: Students completed Lab 2 - Heat Sinks.
Lab 2 "Heat Sinks" (Due Tues)
Fri Sept 25: Please review our continued discussion of Topic C - Factors That Affect Absorption of Energy: (2) Heat Capacity. Substances with high specific heat - heat up slowly and cool down slowly. Since they hold heat they are considered good heat sinks (Earth's hydrosphere and atmosphere). Substances with low specific heat heat up quickly and cool down quickly. Since they do not hold heat they are poor heat sinks (Earth's lithosphere). We worked through several sample problems. We also completed a pre-lab for Lab 2 - Heat Sinks.
Wed Sept 23: Students completed Lab 1 - Albedo and Surfaces.
Lab 1 "Albedo and Surfaces" (Due Fri)
Tues Sept 22: Please review our introduction to Topic C - Factors That Affect Absorption of Energy: (1) Albedo. Note that albedo measures reflection of energy. We discussed factors that impact albedo: (a) color - light objects have high albedo (high reflection, low absorption) and dark objects have low albedo (low reflection, high absorption). (b) Angle of incidence of the sun to Earth - morning sun has a low angle with high albedo, afternoon sun has a large angle with low albedo. We also completed a prelab for Lab 1 - Albedo of Surfaces.
Thurs Sept 17: Please review our continued notes and discussion of Topic B - Methods of Heat Transfer: (3) Convection / Advection - transfer of energy through the movement of particles in a circular path. Be able to explain how these 3 methods work to ensure heating of Earth's surfaces and atmosphere.
Assign 3 - Methods of Energy Transfer (Due Tuesday / Portfolio Mark)
Wed Sept 16: Please review our notes and discussion of Topic B - Methods of Heat Transfer. Method 1 is (1) radiation - the transfer of energy in the form of waves. Radiation can travel through space in the absence of particles (vacuum). Be familiar with Earth's Energy Budget and what percentage of radiation is absorbed or reflected. Note that this budget can be upset by events such as the greenhouse effect. Be familiar with 3 types of radiation in the spectrum: (a) visible light (can see), (b) infrared light - (can feel as warmth) and (c) UV light (can damage). (2) Conduction - transfer of energy by direct collision of particles. Since collisions are necessary this happens best in solids (lithosphere) and liquids (hydrosphere) but is minimal in the atmosphere. This relates to how close particles are positioned in these states. (3) Convection / Advection - transfer of energy through the movement of particles in a circular path...to be continued.
Mon Sept 14: Please review our continued notes and discussion of Topic A: Weather vs Climate, Weather Lore and Earth's Spheres. Be familiar with how weather is different from climate. Note weather lore and its reliability. Finally we explored the 4 interacting spheres of the Earth: (1) atmosphere (troposphere), (2) lithosphere, (3) hydrosphere and (4) biosphere.
Assign 2 - Weather Lore (Due Date: Wed)
Fri Sept 11: Welcome to Science 1206. I am looking forward to working with you throughout the year. This was an introductory class. We distributed course descriptors and explained how you will be evaluated in this course. The Google Classroom Code was provided and this electronic classroom will display all course content and is where all assignment, quiz and test dates will be posted. We introduced Unit 1 - Weather Dynamics. Topic A explores Weather vs Climate, Weather Lore and Earth's Spheres. Note the definition of weather and its various components along with appropriate units: (1) temperature, (2) precipitation, (3) atmospheric pressure, (4) humidity, (5) wind speed and direction and (6) sky cover...to be continued.
Assignment 1 - Describing Weather (Monday)
