7th Grade Science March News

Letter
Hello Parents:
We will be studying the Atmosphere this month in Science.
Weather and Atmosphere Unit Learning Targets
1: I can demonstrate, using a model or drawing, knowledge of the water cycle.
2: I can describe how the warming of the Earth by the sun produces winds and ocean
currents.
3: I can compare and contrast the difference and relationship between climate and
weather.
4: I can describe how different weather occurs due to the constant motion of the
atmosphere from the suns energy.
5: I can explain how the temperature of the oceans affects the different climates on
Earth because water in the oceans holds a large amount of heat.
6: I can describe weather conditions associated with frontal boundaries and the
movement of major air masses and the jet stream across North America using a
weather map.
7: I can explain the how the atmosphere is a mixture of gases and how it compares at
different elevations.
*Unit test is based on the above learning targets. If your student can do these
learning targets, they should be successful on the test with practice and studying.

Key Concept Earths atmosphere absorbs solar energy and transports energy around Earths
surface.
What You Will Learn

Earths atmosphere is a mixture of gases that surrounds Earth and absorbs solar radiation.

Pressure and temperature in the atmosphere change as distance from Earths surface
increases.

Why It Matters
The atmosphere is a protective layer that allows life to survive on Earths surface.

The atmosphere is a mixture of gases that surrounds Earth.

The Composition of the Atmosphere

The mixture of gases that makes up the atmosphere is commonly called air. About 78% of
the atmosphere is nitrogen. Oxygen makes up about 21% of the atmosphere. The other 1% of
the atmosphere is made of other gases, such as argon, carbon dioxide, and water vapor.
Water vapor is an invisible gas that forms when water reaches a certain temperature.
Sometimes, water vapor can make up as much as 4% of the air.
Figure 1 Composition of the Atmosphere