Competency Goal 3: The learner will conduct investigations and utilize appropriate technologies and information systems to build an understanding of the atmosphere.

Objectives

3.01 Explain the composition, properties and structure of the atmosphere:

• Mixture of gases.
• Stratified layers.
• Each layer has distinct properties.
• As altitude increases, air pressure decreases.
• Equilibrium.

3.02 Describe properties that can be observed and measured to predict air quality:

• Particulate matter.
• Ozone.

3.03 Conclude that the good health of environments and organisms requires:

• The monitoring of air quality.
• Taking steps to maintain healthy air quality.
• Stewardship.

3.04 Evaluate how humans impact air quality including:

• Air quality standards.
• Point and non-point sources of air pollution in North Carolina.
• Financial and economic trade-offs.
• Local air quality issues.

3.05 Examine evidence that atmospheric properties can be studied to predict atmospheric conditions and weather hazards:

• Humidity.
• Temperature.
• Wind speed and direction.
• Air pressure.
• Precipitation.
• Tornados.
• Hurricanes.
• Floods.
• Storms.

3.06 Assess the use of technology in studying atmospheric phenomena and weather hazards:

• Satellites.
• Weather maps.
• Predicting.
• Recording.
• Communicating information about conditions.