We begin our next-to-last unit on Atmosphere and Weather this week as we complete the student-made flip chart on the composition and characteristics of air. In the next two days students should understand that our atmosphere is made up mainly of nitrogen and oxygen, with nitrogen making up most of the air we breathe. They should also understand that air pressure is simply the weight of air (yes, air has weight) pushing down on anything on Earth's surface.
For the rest of the week the focus will be on the four layers of Earth's atmosphere, why and how they are divided, and their characteristics. We will do a lab which will explain these divisions, and the students will create a graphic organizer as a way to learn the four layers. Early next week we'll complete our study of air by reviewing the human impact on our atmosphere, and there will be a test on all skills covered.
Meanwhile, we're also planting seeds indoors and out. All students will be growing two seedlings to bring home to plant in their garden, flower bed, or pot. These will be ready to bring home in late April, if all goes well. The Glenvar Gardens are newly renovated with fresh dirt and new dividers, and are ready for the lettuce, carrots, and beet seeds which will go in asap! I owe a big thanks to the students who froze their fingers tying dividers in windy, 39 degree weather!
