OHCHS

Science Dept.
Freshman Team One
Course: Atmospheric Science
Teacher: Mr. Morrell
Room: B123
2008-2009

COURSE OBJECTIVES
To develop students’ critical thinking skills in relation to the study of Atmospheric
Science. Additionally, to become knowledgeable about Atmospheric issues in order to
intelligently evaluate information and make informed decisions.

SCOPE
This course is designed to give you the overview of the following systems on our planet
Earth: Plate Tectonics, The Oceans, The Atmosphere, Weather Patterns, and finally
Climate. We will discuss all of these major concepts in greater detail as we move through
the semester. Some of the other topics that we will cover during our time together are
Scientific Inquiry, the Metric System, and Lab Methods/Safety. This course will be
intense but also rewarding.

TEXT
Required:
Allison, Mead A. et. al. 2006 Earth Science

MATERIALS
What you need to bring to class everyday:
• Textbook
• 3-ring binder
• Notebook
• Pen/Pencil

EXPECTATIONS
- assignments are due at the beginning of class
- two late assignments will be accepted without penalty
- subsequent late assignments will be docked ten points a day for a total of 4 days
o This includes opposite colored days
- be proactive
- bring necessary materials each day
- class begins when the bell rings
- class is not over until the teacher indicates
- no food or drink in class, EVER!
o This is an OSHA mandate for all Science classrooms
 - no writing on desks
- if unsure about a specific situation, reference your student handbook

NOTEBOOKS
Each student is expected to keep assignments, notes and returned work in a 3-ring binder
throughout the year. Notebook items are to be hole-punched, in order and complete.
Notebooks will be collected (minimum of one day’s notice given) and graded for
completion and organization (counts as 1 ½ test grade)

PROJECTS
1st semester - students will select an appropriate Oceanography topic, research the topic
and present findings to the class.

2nd semester - students will select an appropriate Meteorological topic, research the topic
and present findings to the class.

Projects are a group effort (two students per group). Projects count as two test grade.

EVALUATION
Quarter Grades:
Tests 35%
Labs 25%
Quizzes 25%
Homework/Classwork 15%

Semester Grades:
1st Quarter Average 40%
2nd Quarter Average 40%
Final Examination 20%

GRADE VALUE
A+ 98-100
A 95-97
A- 93-94
B+ 90-92
B 87-89
B- 85-86
C+ 83-84
C 80-82
C- 78-79
D+ 76-77
D 73-75
D- 70-72
F Below 70
 Unit Content Approximate Time
Scientific Inquiry The Scientific Method Week 1
The Metric System Measurement Week 1-2
Conversions
Plate Tectonics Continental Drift Week 3-4
The Theory of Plate
Tectonics
The Changing Continents
Physical Oceanography Deep Ocean Currents
Ocean Floor features
Surface Ocean Currents Weeks 5-6
Prevailing Winds and
Currents

Chemical Oceanography Chemical aspects of ocean Week 7

water
Physical aspects of ocean
water
The Atmosphere Layers of the Atmosphere Weeks 8-10
Temperature Changes
Pressure Changes
The Ozone
Weather Patterns Atmospheric Conditions Weeks 11-14
Temperature Patterns
Weather Patterns
Air Masses
Clouds
Precipitation
Climates Climates of the Earth Weeks 15-16
Interactions of the Climates

This is a tentative schedule of how our semester will go. I reserve the right to adjust the
time frame as needed. I will provide notice of the change so that you can make
adjustments to your calendar.

If you have any questions about the content of this syllabus please email me at
mmorrell@sad17.k12.me.us or talk to me after a class.