Ch 8: Energy in the Earth System: Homeschool Curriculum
About This Chapter
Who's it for?
This unit of our Middle School Earth Science Homeschool course will benefit any student who is trying to learn about solar energy and weather phenomena. There is no faster or easier way to learn about energy in the Earth system. Among those who would benefit are:
- Students who require an efficient, self-paced course of study to learn about the effects of solar energy on Earth, mechanisms of heat transfer, weather variables, atmospheric circulation, air masses, weather fronts and climate.
- Homeschool parents looking to spend less time preparing lessons and more time teaching.
- Homeschool parents who need an Earth science curriculum that appeals to multiple learning types (visual or auditory).
- Gifted students and students with learning differences.
How it works:
- Students watch a short, fun video lesson that covers a specific unit topic.
- Students and parents can refer to the video transcripts to reinforce learning.
- Short quizzes and an Energy in the Earth System unit exam confirm understanding or identify any topics that require review.
Energy in the Earth System Unit Objectives:
- Describe how solar energy affects the Earth's temperature.
- List phenomena powered by the sun's energy.
- Distinguish between conduction, convection and radiation.
- Explain the differences between weather and climate.
- Outline factors affecting the circulation of air in the atmosphere.
- Describe the relationship between air pressure, density and temperature.
- Explain the general circulation of the Earth's atmosphere.
- Identify the effects of various types of air masses and fronts on the weather.
1. Solar Energy: Effects on Earth's Temperature
In this video lesson, learn about solar energy and how it affects temperatures on Earth. You will also learn what causes changes in day length and why some parts of Earth experience seasonal differences throughout the year.
2. The Sun as a Source of Energy for Winds, Currents & the Water Cycle
View this lesson to learn how energy from the sun powers our winds, ocean currents and the water cycle. Learn how the winds, ocean currents and the water cycle react to the energy from the sun.
3. Mechanisms of Heat Transfer: Conduction, Convection & Radiation
There are three main ways that heat is transferred between substances or objects. In this video lesson you'll learn about each one, and identify the differences between them.
4. Weather vs. Climate: Definition, Differences & Effects
This video lesson will guide you in understanding the difference between climate and weather. Discover how they are different but related and how they are the ways you can describe atmospheric conditions on Earth.
5. Factors That Affect Wind: Pressure Gradient Forces, Coriolis Effect & Friction
In this video lesson, you will learn about wind and some factors that affect it, such as air temperature and pressure, the Coriolis effect, and friction. By the end of this lesson, you will also understand how Earth's rotation plays a role in how winds travel.
6. Weather Variables: Air Pressure, Temperature & Density
Weather is influenced by a number of factors. In this lesson, you will learn about three key variables that control weather and how they work together to do so.
7. The General Circulation of the Atmosphere
The Sahara Desert, tropical rainforests, and cold polar winds are all due to Earth's rotation. In this video lesson, you will learn how this rotation has created global air circulation patterns on Earth and how it is responsible for such diverse climate patterns across the globe.
8. Types of Air Masses & Their Effect on Weather
Air masses affect weather in a number of different ways. In this lesson, you will learn about the different types of air masses found on Earth and how the movement of air masses creates changes in the weather.
9. Understanding Weather Fronts: Types & Their Effect on Weather
In this video lesson you will learn about how air masses with different characteristics create weather fronts. You will also identify the different types of fronts, as well as what type of weather occurs along them.
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Other Chapters
Other chapters within the Middle School Earth Science: Homeschool Curriculum course
- Earth's Structure: Homeschool Curriculum
- Understanding Plate Tectonics: Homeschool Curriculum
- Understanding Earthquakes: Homeschool Curriculum
- Understanding Volcanoes: Homeschool Curriculum
- Rock Deformation & Mountain Building: Homeschool Curriculum
- Shaping the Earth's Surface: Homeschool Curriculum
- Thermal Energy: Homeschool Curriculum
- Ecology & Ecosystems: Homeschool Curriculum
- Earth's Energy Sources: Homeschool Curriculum
- Earth's Material Resources: Homeschool Curriculum
- Earth Science Research: Homeschool Curriculum
