Chicago Public Schools - Teacher Leadership Institute
In five sessions, meeting approximately once per month between Sept. 2007 and January 2008, we will investigate a variety of topics
in Earth and Space Science, using the IES curricular materials to aid our studies. Each session will consist of a combination of
content enhancement and hands on activities designed to enhance the implementation of the IES curriculum throughout CPS.
Class Notes
First Session--Friday, 28 September 2007
This session will focus on Space Science, especially in understanding earth-sky relationships, distances in the solar system, and the
importance of measuring angles in astronomical studies. We will conclude today's workshop by measuring the mass and density of rock
samples to determine the density of the rocks commonly found on the surface of the Earth, and using those results to draw inferences
about the nature of the interior of the Earth.
There are a number of resources on our website that could prove useful for these workshops and into the future. Many of the handouts
we are providing today are taken from these online resources.
The Construction and Use of the Quadrant is included in our discussion of measuring angles
Size and Distance Relationships in the Solar System are discussed in the Playdoh Universe
Light travel times to nearby objects are discussed here
The explanation for lunar phasesis described on the lunar phases
page
Below are links to the maps we will use later on in the workshops. Most show the original map in a downloadable .pdf format along
with a version containing solutions (which could be isotherms, isobars, fronts, or isallobars depending on the nature of the map).
These solutions are currently not viewable but will be once you turn your maps in.)
As we study the weather associated with fronts and frontal passages, we realize that the appearance of certain
types of clouds can help us predict the future weather. Thus, it is important to know how clouds are classified, and the atmospheric
conditions that produce each cloud type.
The bulk of clouds that we will be concerned with are classified according to two criteria:
The height of the base of the cloud.
Whether the cloud is "flat" or vertically developed.
The height of the base of the cloud tells you the elevation at which cloud condensation occurs. Whether the cloud is "flat" (stratus
like clouds) or vertically developed (cumulus like clouds) is dependent on how the conditions forming the clouds. The University of
Illinois Urbana Champagn has an excellent web site covering
cloud identification and formation.
My page on fronts contains information on how clouds form as
well as the type of clouds associated with frontal passages.
Center for Science & Math Education
Loyola University Chicago
6525 North Sheridan Rd
LSB 431
Chicago, IL 60626
Phone: 773-508-3513
Fax: 773-508-3506
E-mail: science@luc.edu