Course Description

This course provides a scientific foundation in climate dynamics through multiple scientific perspectives. We will explore the origins of Earth’s climate system, historical and modern climate change, methods used to identify climate change, global atmospheric and ocean currents, ocean and atmospheric chemistry, natural feedback mechanisms, climate forcing, Earth’s energy budget, evaluate global climate models, and explore proposed technological solutions. The primarily goal of this course is to provide a scientific understanding of the physical and chemical processes governing climate. ELA Course Goals I. 2 You will demonstrate knowledge of climate systems and how they have been historically conceived III. 1 You will understand climate change as well as the complexity of proposed solutions V. 1 You will demonstrate familiarity with the scientific method V. 3 You will demonstrate the ability to use quantitative methodologies to interpret & analyze natural phenomena ELA Course Goals Assessment Techniques (1) Applied homework assignments (see examples below) will provide a means to evaluate scientific and quantitative methodologies (2) Comprehensive research paper will be developed for inclusion in Epsilen portfolio and provide a means to evaluate students understanding of climate systems and climate change