Welcome back! January 3-6

Notice: The study guide for the semester test will be available by Wednesday. Ask Benson for a copy if you want to get an early start on studying for the final. Otherwise he will hand it out next week.

Tuesday
During the two weeks before finals week (January 17-19) students will be learning about the basic structure of the Earth and plate tectonics. Today they will watch a video titled "Magnetic Storm". If a you miss this day, get online and watch the 55-minute video HERE. As you watch, answer the questions on the WS, which can be found on this page.

Wednesday
We will go over the video and then Benson will explain the different "schools of thought" pertaining to the age of the Earth. He will also explain the structure of the Earth and paleomagnetism, and then students will do a WS titled, "Plate Tectonics". If you were gone, read text pages 233-237 (honors 249-252) and watch the video below.

Thursday
Students will watch a video titled, "Birth of the Earth".

Friday
Students will take notes as Benson explains the development of the Theory of Plate Tectonics.

Question(s) of the week: What is paleomagnetism, and how does it support the theory of plate tectonics?

Jan. 3: NOVA: Magnetic Storm

Jan. 3: The Northern Lights

Jan. 3: Northern Lights FAQs

Jan. 6: Interactive: Position of the Continents Over the Past 600 million years

Jan. 6: Interactive Plate Tectonics Map

Jan. 6: Read About Wegener's Last Expedition

Video of the Week

December 19-22 (short week)

Reminder: The optional assignment to replace your lowest non-test score for December is available upon request (ask Benson for it). It is due by the end of the week.

Monday
Benson will explain the dynamics of the Winter Solstice and then students will take notes as they learn about weather satellites. Honors students: The are no MESPOWs this week.

Tuesday
We will wrap up the unit and review for the test. As study guide will be provided. The study guide can also be printed out from Benson's teacher page.

Wednesday
Students will take the test.

Thursday
Students will make electric motors. See video below.

December 12-16

Monday
Students will continue watching the video (Into the Storm). Attention honors students: The MESPOW for this week are #65 and #72.

Tuesday
Students will take notes as Benson explains several aspects of tornadoes. Students should read text pages 573-574 (honors 564-568). If you were gone, get a copy of the notes handout, copy it, and take a look at this interactive map of USA tornado deaths through the years.

Wednesday
Students will take notes as Benson explains how Doppler RADAR works. If you were gone, read this web page and watch this video.

Thursday
After a short introduction, students will do a map activity (The Blizzard of '93). Read text pages 567-568 (honors 558-561). If you are gone watch this presentation, then do the map activity.

Friday
Students will take notes on a handout as Benson explains various aspects of tropical cyclones - In the USA we call them "hurricanes". Students should read text pages 575-577 (honres 570-576). If you were gone, watch this presentation and check out this animation of a storm surge. Also, watch this 3-minute video and short storm surge video.

Question(s) of the week: Warm water provides the "fuel" for tropical storms (we call them hurricanes). Explain how warm water contributes to the rain AND wind in a tropical cyclone.

December 5-9

Monday
Benson will do some demonstrations related to lightning and then we will finish the lightning video. If you miss Monday be sure to watch this 45-minute video. Attention honors students: The MESPOWs for this week are #2, #58, and #114.

Tuesday
Students will take notes on a handout as Benson explains various hazards associated with lightning and hail. If your were gone be sure to read through this web page. Get a copy of the notes handout and copy the notes you missed, and watch this 5-minute video.

Wednesday
Students will continue to take notes on a handout as Benson explains various hazards associated with thunderstorms. If you were gone be sure to read through this web page and watch watch/read all of the links below as well.

Flash Flood in Australia 2010 (YouTube)

Flash Flood in Southern Utah (YouTube)

Flash Flood in Nepal (YouTube)

Swath from Hi-Line Hail Storm Visible from Space (image and article)

Animation of Hail Formation

Watch This Microburst in Arizona (Vimeo)

Microburst Causes Blow-Down Near Butte (image and article)

Thursday
Students will do a lab related to latent heat (microbursts). If you miss this day, watch this video of the lab and the video below. Then do the make-up assignment - Click here to print a copy.

Friday
Students will take notes as Benson explains several aspects of tornadoes. If you were gone, get a copy of the notes handout, copy it, and take a look at this interactive map of USA tornado deaths through the years.

Question of the week: Explain what causes a microburst.

Watch this 15-second video!

8-30-15 - Wet Microburst Chandler Arizona from Monsoon Tracker on Vimeo.