Meteorology and Climate

YIHS 11th Grade Afternoon Block

Jacob Hundt ** Sept. 6-22, 2017

We do not live on the Earth. Rather, we live in it. Much like fish living in seawater, we live submerged in a vast ocean of
air. Our bodies are surrounded both inside and out by the atmosphere. Our lives and livelihoods depend on the complex
patterns and currents that stir and shape the gaseous medium in which we live. The goal of this block is to explore the
dimensions and behavior of our airy home. We will start with current observations and descriptions of the weather
phenomena occurring outside of our doors, supported by some of the amazing satellite and radar technologies now widely
available. We will then start explore the various components that make up the massive and difficult to predict system of
phenomena we know as the weather, including basic cloud forms, high and low pressure systems, precipitation and
humidity, and the global pattern of climate. Finally, we will examine the factors shaping changes in that global pattern
over time, including human activities.

To help support this class, I have created a class website with useful and interesting meteorology websites. The website
is: http://jacobhundtpages.weebly.com/meteorology.html

Requirements and Expectations

This class is an extremely short afternoon block and we will have only 7 class sessions together. This means that
attendance and strong class participation will be essential. Come alert and take good notes, and be sure to check in with
the teacher or other students about what you missed if you have to be absent. Students must earn a total of at least 70% in
order to Pass this class.

1. Class Participation & Attendance 20%

Students in this class are expected to be present, attentive, engaged, and respectful of other participants in the
class. Students should come prepared to keep careful notes during class discussions. As per the school
attendance policy, students who are absent for more than 25% of sessions (3 classes) or late for 50% of sessions
(4 classes) will receive a Fail for the class.

2. Article Analysis: 40%

All students will be expected to find a current article (past 2 years) on the subject of weather, climate, or climate
change and conduct a thorough analysis of the information, sources, and argumentation presented in the article.
Articles should be selected by Weds. Sept. 13 and students will make presentations of their findings to the class
on Monday and Wednesday of the last week of the class with the help of an article analysis guide.

3. Final Exam 40%

On Fri. Sept. 22 there will be a final test, covering material from throughout the block. A study guide will be
provided to help students prepare. This will be a closed notes exam.
 BLOCK SCHEDULE
Wednesday, Sept. 6 Components of the weather, cloud types, weather maps

Friday, Sept. 8 The atmosphere, barometric pressure, cyclonic systems

Monday, Sept. 11 Factors shaping regional climate, temperature, solar radiation

Wednesday, Sept. 13 Global wind, pressure, and precipitation patterns, humidity

Articles selected

Monday, Sept. 18 Feedbacks and Forcings Factors shaping global climate

ARTICLE PRESENTATIONS IN CLASS Day 1

Wednesday, Sept. 20 Dynamics and Prospects for Global Climate Change

ARTICLE PRESENTATIONS IN CLASS Day 2

Friday, Sept. 22 FINAL TEST