The Atmosphere, The Water Cycle, and The Weather

Introduction

Congratulations!

You just got a new job as a meteorologist. You are really excited about your new job, but you need to get some answers before your first day on the job. To prepare for your first day you need to do some research! You will need to find out about the layers of the earths atmosphere and the water cycle.Then you will need to find out how these factors contribute to the weather. Good luck! 

Task

Once you have completed this webquest you will be able to list the layers of the Earth's atmosphere, describe the composition of the troposphere, and describe how the water cycle works.You will also be able to explain how these factors impact weather.

Process

Click on the links below and answer the questions for each link.

 

https://kidsgeo.com/geography-for-kids/meteorology/

1. What is meteorology?

2. What does a meteorologist do?

 

https://www.ducksters.com/science/atmosphere.php

3. How many layers are there in the Earth's atmosphere?

4. List the layers of the atmosphere and give one fact about each layer.

5. What is the Greenhouse Effect?

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5sg9sCOXFIk

6. The weather occurs in which atmospheric layer?

7. Which layer is closest to the Earth's surface?

8. Which atmospheric layer is the Ozone layer in?

9. Meteors burn up in which atmospheric layer?

10. Which layer has the thinnest air?

 

https://scied.ucar.edu/shortcontent/earths-atmosphere

11. Name a couple of ways that the atmosphere helps us.

12. What are the main gases that make up the Earth's atmosphere?

13. Click on the link for 'troposphere'. Read the information, and write two sentences about the importance of the troposphere.

 

http://studyjams.scholastic.com/studyjams/jams/science/ecosystems/water-cycle.htm

14. What are the three main stages of the water cycle?

15. What is condensation?

 

http://www.weatherwizkids.com/weather-climate.htm

16. What is weather?

17. How does the water cycle impact the weather? Give an example. 

18. Name at least one way the the Earth's atmosphere impacts weather.

 

 

Evaluation

You will submit your answers for grading. Grading will be based on the following criteria:

 

1) All links followed and all sources used

2) All questions answered in detail.

3) All questions answered correctly.

 

Partial credit will be given if I can tell that you reviewed the source and put effort into answering the question. 

Conclusion

The atmosphere is made up of nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and other gases. The earth's atmosphere is divided into five layers and each layer plays an important role. The layer most responsible for weather is the troposphere. The water cycle is always ongoing. Evaporation, condensation, and precipitation are important steps in the water cycle. The water cycle and atmosphere are important factors that impact weather. The heat from the sun interacts with the gases in the troposphere, creating energy and causing pressure to increase. The increase in pressure can lead to the creation of clouds and other weather phenomenon. The water cycle is responsible for rain, sleet, snow, and humidity. How else does the atmosphere and water cycle impact the weather we see? 

Credits

Teacher Page

SC State Standards -

4.E.2: The student will demonstrate an understanding of the water cycle and weather and climate patterns.

4.E.2A.1 Obtain and communicate information about some of the gases in the atmosphere (including oxygen, nitrogen, and water vapor) to develop models that exemplify the composition of Earth’s atmosphere where weather takes place.

4.E.2A.2 Develop and use models to explain how water changes as it moves between the atmosphere and Earth’s surface during each phase of the water cycle (including evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and runoff).