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Course Syllabus
High School/Science/Earth and Space Science:
Teacher: Mr. Komp
Contact Information: Phone 262-626-8427 x 4157, email ckomp@ksd.k12.wi.us
The Night Sky
o Locate major constellations in the night sky
o Relate seasons to revolution and tilt of the Earth
o Relate observations of the night sky to latitude
o Model phases of the Moon
o Model solar and lunar eclipses
Observing Light
o Explain the nature of the Electromagnetic Spectrum
o Relate the EM spectrum to types of telescopes
o Research the world’s major observatories
o Apply remote sensing technology (IR)
o Explain how scattering, refraction and diffraction color the sky
Energy and Water Cycles
o Identify the layers and composition of the atmosphere
o Measure atmospheric pressure and recognize pressure changes with level
o Describe how conduction, convection and radiation contribute to earth’s energy cycle
o Understand and describe the Hydrologic Cycle
o Measure relative humidity and dew point
Clouds and Precipitation
o Classify and identify clouds
o Relate atmospheric stability and cloud development
o Differentiate types of precipitation and the conditions for formation
Weather Forecasting
o Explain the origin of global wind patterns (Three Cell Model)
o Relate global wind patterns to climate patterns
o Explain the formation and evolution of cyclones
o Relate weather systems to surface weather maps
o Explain the formation of Thunderstorms, Tornados
o Describe the stages of hurricane development
Glaciers
o Relate Ice Ages to Astronomical Cycles
o Describe Glacier formation
o Model Topographical Features left by Glaciers
o Relate global warming to reduction in Glaciers
o Model the effect of greenhouse gasses on global temperatures
The Solar System
o Describe the Solar Nebula theory of Solar System formation
o Compare the Planets to develop evidence for the theory
o Relate Earth to the other Terrestrial Planets
o Explore the possibility of life on the moons of the outer planets
o Describe the Nature of the outer planets
The Sun and Star Evolution
o Identify the energetic processes within the sun
o Describe the major features of the sun
o Classify the sun relative to other stars (H-R Diagram)
o Predict the future for the sun
o Generalize these predictions to stars of varying masses
(Red Giants, Neutron Stars, Black Holes)
The Universe
o Contrast the Milky Way to other Galaxies
o Describe scientific procedures for measuring astronomical distances
o Explore unique features of the universe.
o Describe evidence for the “Big Bang” theory
Major Assignments / Requirements:
Daily readings and assignments are to be recorded in a course notebook
Major labs require lab reports
Weekly Quizzes
Approximately Seven Unit Tests
Special Texts and Materials:
Calculator – Students must provide a scientific calculator
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