Physical Science (Meteorology)

Course Number:

GS 109

Transcript Title:

Physical Science (Meteorology)

Created:

Aug 11, 2022

Updated:

Jul 11, 2023

Total Credits:

4

Lecture Hours:

30

Lecture / Lab Hours:

0

Lab Hours:

30

Satisfies Cultural Literacy requirement:

No

Satisfies General Education requirement:

Yes

Grading Options

A-F, P/NP, Audit

Default Grading Options

A-F

Repeats available for credit:

0

Alignment with Institutional Learning Outcomes

Major

1. Communicate effectively using appropriate reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. (Communication)

Major

2. Creatively solve problems by using relevant methods of research, personal reflection, reasoning, and evaluation of information. (Critical thinking and Problem-Solving)

Major

3. Extract, interpret, evaluate, communicate, and apply quantitative information and methods to solve problems, evaluate claims, and support decisions in their academic, professional and private lives. (Quantitative Literacy)

Minor

4. Use an understanding of cultural differences to constructively address issues that arise in the workplace and community. (Cultural Awareness)

Minor

5. Recognize the consequences of human activity upon our social and natural world. (Community and Environmental Responsibility)

To establish an intentional learning environment, Institutional Learning Outcomes (ILOs) require a clear definition of instructional strategies, evidence of recurrent instruction, and employment of several assessment modes.

Major Designation

1. The outcome is addressed recurrently in the curriculum, regularly enough to establish a thorough understanding.
2. Students can demonstrate and are assessed on a thorough understanding of the outcome.
   • The course includes at least one assignment that can be assessed by applying the appropriate CLO rubric.

Minor Designation

1. The outcome is addressed adequately in the curriculum, establishing fundamental understanding.
2. Students can demonstrate and are assessed on a fundamental understanding of the outcome.
   • The course includes at least one assignment that can be assessed by applying the appropriate CLO rubric.

Suggested Outcome Assessment Strategies

The instructor will choose from the following methods of assessment: exams, quizzes, lab exercises, written reports, oral presentations, group projects, class participation, homework assignments, and field trips. The instructor shall detail the methods to be used to the students at the beginning of the course.

Course Activities and Design

The determination of teaching strategies used in the delivery of outcomes is generally left to the discretion of the instructor. Here are some strategies that you might consider when designing your course: lecture, small group/forum discussion, flipped classroom, dyads, oral presentation, role play, simulation scenarios, group projects, service learning projects, hands-on lab, peer review/workshops, cooperative learning (jigsaw, fishbowl), inquiry based instruction, differentiated instruction (learning centers), graphic organizers, etc.

Course Content

A. Explain the nature and history of meteorology as a science

B. Discuss the structure and dynamics of the earth's atmosphere

C. Discuss the basic physical principles of energy

D. Explain how solar and gravitational energy drive weather

E. Describe the different facets of the hydrologic cycle and atmospheric circulation

F. Outline the details of weather observation

G. Discuss weather systems and major theories used to explain and predict the behavior of these systems

H. Outline the details of weather forecasting

I. Discuss climate, climate zones, and the factors that shape them

J. Explain how and why climate changes

K. Discuss how humans impact weather and climate change

L. Other topics as desired by the instructor

Meteorology as a Science

1. The scientific method as it applies to meteorology
2. Major divisions and activities of meteorology
3. Short history of meteorology

Atmospheric Basics

1. Physical and chemical properties of air
2. Structure of the atmosphere
3. Energy flow and dynamics of the atmosphere

Basics of Weather

1. Physics of energy - States and forms of energy, energy conversions, and types and behavior of radiant energy
2. Flow of energy through the atmosphere
3. Heat and temperature - basic physics, measurement, and temporal and geographical variation
4. Physics and chemistry of water
5. Water cycling within the atmosphere
6. Humidity
7. Couds, cloud formation, and precipitation
8. Physics of air - air pressure and density
9. Movement of air within the atmosphere
10. Measuring and mapping air pressure and winds
11. Types of winds - micro, meso, global scale

Weather Systems

1. Typical global and regional weather patterns
2. Systems, theory, and modeling
3. Global atmospheric circulation within the troposphere
4. Air mass characteristics and development
5. Weather front characteristics and behavior
6. Mid-latitude and tropical cyclone characteristics and development

Weather Forecasting

1. Weather data gathering and organization
2. Forecast techniques

Climate and Climate Change

Department Notes

Columbia Gorge Community College Science Department stands by the following statement regarding  science instruction:

Science is a fundamentally nondogmatic and self-correcting investigatory process. Theories (such as biological and geologic time scale) are developed through scientific investigation are not decided in advance. As such, scientific theories can be and often are modified and revised through observation and experimentation. "Creation science", "Intelligent Design" or similar beliefs are not considered legitimate science, but a form of religious advocacy. This position is established by legal precedence (Webster v. New Lenox School District #122, 917 F.2d 1004).

The Science Department at Columbia Gorge Community College, therefore stands with organizations such as the National Association of Biology Teachers in opposing the inclusion of pseudo-sciences in our science curricula except to reference and/or clarify its invalidity.