Apologia: Physical Science Air

Here Air Lesson Plan  is an updated version or overview of the current unit the Physical Science students are studying.  Wile has several modules regarding air, atmospheric science, weather, etc. Our plan is to study Modules 2, 3, 7, and 8 as a unit. The class plans to study more chemistry than this text provides.   Today, the Physical Science students did Experiment 2.2, Oxygen and Fire, and Experiment 3.2, Seeing the Effect of Changing Temperature.  The class also completed a 'foldable' on the layers of the atmosphere. Foldable  They also watched a video from GLOBE on how to identify clouds.GLOBE Training Modules  GLOBE is an excellent resource for homeschoolers.  NASA sponsors GLOBE in the United States; GLOBE is an international organization.  After the students watched the cloud module, they took copies of cloud charts Clouds outside to identify the types of clouds and percent of cloud cover.  Physical Science students are beginning a long term (one month) study of the weather.  Collect Weather Data
Here is one type of record Weather data students may chose to use or Experiment 7.1 in Wile's Physical Science text suggests data to record.  Our class is recording their data at noon (any time between 11:00 am-1:00 pm) daily for one month.  The students are either taking direct measurements or using the Weather Channel for information.  Additionally, students are saving the weather reports from two local newspapers to use later to interpret weather symbols.

Next week, the students will add the vocabulary to their foldable, Crush cans with the Chemistry class, complete Experiments 3.1, 4.1, 5.1, 5.3, and 8.1.  If time permits, the students will do a fun experiment with CO2 Straws and Lightening.

Here are a few questions to consider.
1.  In terms of the layers of the atmosphere, where does 'weather' occur?
2.  Which tool is a better predictor of the weather, barometric pressure or cloud types?
3.  What is the EPA's 'dirty half dozen'?