Quick Update

Hello guys! Hopefully middle school is treating you well.

I'm currently very busy in college, so I'll be holding off on my Weather or Not project until I have a bit more free time. I have finished the first 10 units or so, and I'll try my best to have the material ready for the 2017-18 school year.

So yeah, recent weather news! If you guys haven't heard, we had our first Category 5 hurricane in the Atlantic since 2007 just a few weeks ago — in other words, the last time such an event occurred, I was a 4th grader (younger than you guys). I am fairly certain that this will show up on the competition exams this year simply because of how rare Cat 5 hurricanes are.

If you want to read a bit more about the life of Hurricane Matthew, you can go to this page (that is, if you haven't paid attention to the news already): https://weather.com/storms/hurricane/news/hurricane-matthew-bahamas-florida-georgia-carolinas-forecast

Speaking of which, the name Matthew will probably be retired next year, meaning that a new male name starting with the letter "M" will replace it on the 2022 Atlantic hurricane name list. I don't know about you, but that seems rather familiar... you know, there might be a chance that one of you guys' names will end up on the list (although it is rather low since there are many male names that begin with M out there...).

I'm looking at you, Martin. ;)

Official Results

Official results can be viewed here:
http://wayneoaklandso.weebly.com/uploads/2/4/1/3/24133078/2016_woso_schoolcraft_scores.pdf

Weather or Not is on page 16. You guys missed 2nd place by just 1 point!

Anyway, I am building a slideshow for next year's team since I didn't have time to make one this year (hopefully the reviews were fine). If you guys want to give me feedback on this, you can visit the slideshow here: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1Resj_ijWfY6_R-5IJrIEkgQsvIM7m1YTb3p_9Hn5U_c/

Also, I'll be launching a new website for the event next year (not on Blogger). It'll be nice and awesome, so you can look forward to that if you guys plan on doing Meteorology next year. I'll post the site link once I'm done with it over the summer.

Have a wonderful summer! It's going to be in the 80s this week.

Regional Competition Essay Answers

Here are the answers to the two tiebreaker essay questions at the competition Saturday:

73. What event occurred in the equatorial Pacific in 2015, and how did it affect Michigan weather?
Answer: There was a strong El Niño in 2015, causing warmer than average temperatures in Michigan and drier conditions (that's why we didn't get much snow this winter). Whenever you see the words "equatorial Pacific," I guarantee you that the answer will either be El Niño or La Niña.
http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2015/101515-noaa-strong-el-nino-sets-the-stage-for-2015-2016-winter-weather.html

74. What weather event occurred in the Southern Plains in May 2015, and which states were impacted the most?
Answer: This question was testing the May 5-10, 2015 tornado outbreak. Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Dakota, & Texas all counted for points, but only 1 or 2 states were needed. The two target states were Oklahoma & Texas.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/May_5%E2%80%9310,_2015_tornado_outbreak_sequence

Good luck!

Good luck on your tests tomorrow. Remember... I will be there! But pretend you don't know me.

I will know your scores as well, so don't fail! Get 1st place so you guys don't end up as losers compared to last year... (just kidding, just try your best).

Remember your test-taking strategies! They'll definitely help if you have a question you do not know!

Competition Practice Day 50

For the next 50 days, I will post multiple choice questions for you to answer. I expect you to do them! I will print off your explanations and discuss them with you at the next meeting.

Use the link provided to answer these questions.

MC Practice Day 50

99. The following picture represents what?

        (A) C. H. D. Buys Ballot's Buys Ballot Law

        (B) Alfred Wegener's Theory of Continental Drift

        (C) Wladimir Peter Köppen's Köppen Climate Classification System

        (D) Vilhelm Bjerknes's Polar Front Theory

        (E) Gabriel Fahrenheit's Fahrenheit Temperature Scale (°F)

100. The following picture represents what?

        (A) C. H. D. Buys Ballot's Buys Ballot Law

        (B) Alfred Wegener's Theory of Continental Drift

        (C) Wladimir Peter Köppen's Köppen Climate Classification System

        (D) Vilhelm Bjerknes's Polar Front Theory

        (E) Gabriel Fahrenheit's Fahrenheit Temperature Scale (°F)

Answer here: http://goo.gl/forms/PQL5uFFpmj

Meeting #17

Today we went over the final exam that you took over the last week. Here are the answers if you need them: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B5nmsYdf6QD6SHpvdjFqMWxHMDQ/view?usp=sharing

If you have any questions, be sure to email me at ajz1998@gmail.com, and I will try to answer them. Good luck at the competition Saturday, and remember to study hard! You guys better get 1st place... >:)

Schedule Before Competition

Here is the preliminary schedule for the next few weeks before the competition:

Thursday, April 28
Take Quiz Units 1-6 on 5-7 random standards chosen from the PowerPoint.
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1Og4lV_J6_-Kgx2y2_tKgzeYKitmIs7KFd_8esMxnEeU/edit#slide=id.g86617f56d_2_511
Answers will be posted here on April 28 for you to check: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B5nmsYdf6QD6MG85N0VSZ0sxekk/view?usp=sharing
Take Notes on Units 7-11 https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B5nmsYdf6QD6U2pndmFfaUVMTFE/view?usp=sharing
HW: Complete Practice Exam #1 in Packet, pages 7-15, if you haven't already
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B5nmsYdf6QD6czcyVjhWbmIzRmc/view?usp=sharing

Thursday, May 5 (note this has changed!)
Complete Fast Filler Questions, District Exam 2015, and any incomplete assignments. Please bring all material and technology needed to complete this task.
Take Quiz Units 7-11 on 8 random standards chosen from the PowerPoint.
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1Og4lV_J6_-Kgx2y2_tKgzeYKitmIs7KFd_8esMxnEeU/edit#slide=id.g866d6660b_6_118
Answers will be posted here on May 5 for you to check: N/A
Take Notes on Units 12-17.
HW: Take Notes on Units 12-17
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1go008q1G8A-6S_A4_BO3x_cpyhv36TX40YVUfo3Oih8
Page 20-end

Thursday, May 12
Take Quiz Units 12-17 on 5-8 random standards chosen from the PowerPoint.
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1Og4lV_J6_-Kgx2y2_tKgzeYKitmIs7KFd_8esMxnEeU/edit#slide=id.g866d6660b_6_376
Take Final Exam
Answer any questions you may have on Final Exam and Practice Exams.
HW: Study and get 1st place!

This post is pinned (kept at the top), so all online practice questions are below here. There will be new questions every day up until the competition! Make sure to do those as well!

Competition Practice Day 49

For the next 50 days, I will post multiple choice questions for you to answer. I expect you to do them! I will print off your explanations and discuss them with you at the next meeting.

Use the link provided to answer these questions.

MC Practice Day 49

97. The ozone hole is located above
        (A) Michigan

        (B) South America

        (C) the Equator

        (D) the Tropic of Cancer

        (E) Antarctica

98. Which is not a component of the cryosphere?
        (A) glaciers

        (B) snow cover

        (C) frozen ground

        (D) hail

        (E) icebergs

Answer here: http://goo.gl/forms/ECR6qm7aeP

Competition Practice Day 48

For the next 50 days, I will post multiple choice questions for you to answer. I expect you to do them! I will print off your explanations and discuss them with you at the next meeting.

Use the link provided to answer these questions.

MC Practice Day 48

95. Reflectivity images on Doppler Radar measure
        (A) precipitation speed

        (B) wind direction

        (C) precipitation intensity

        (D) albedo

        (E) none of the above

96. Velocity images on Doppler Radar measure
        (A) precipitation speed

        (B) wind direction

        (C) precipitation intensity

        (D) albedo

        (E) none of the above

Answer here: http://goo.gl/forms/gmIRxSxPtD

Competition Practice Day 47

For the next 50 days, I will post multiple choice questions for you to answer. I expect you to do them! I will print off your explanations and discuss them with you at the next meeting.

Use the link provided to answer these questions.

MC Practice Day 47

93. Another name for sheet lightning is
        (A) intracloud lightning

        (B) cloud-to-ground lightning

        (C) heat lightning

        (D) a bolt from the blue

        (E) gust lightning

94. Heat lightning occurs most often on
        (A) cold winter days

        (B) warm and humid days

        (C) hot summer days

        (D) dry and chilly days

        (E) none of the above

Answer here: http://goo.gl/forms/rohoJq7UOZ

Competition Practice Day 46

For the next 50 days, I will post multiple choice questions for you to answer. I expect you to do them! I will print off your explanations and discuss them with you at the next meeting.

Use the link provided to answer these questions.

MC Practice Day 46

91. The most common form of lightning is
        (A) sheet lightning

        (B) cloud-to-ground lightning

        (C) heat lightning

        (D) a bolt from the blue

        (E) all occur at the same frequency

92. A lightning bolt that travels horizontally for many miles before striking the ground is
        (A) sheet lightning

        (B) cloud-to-ground lightning

        (C) heat lightning

        (D) a bolt from the blue

        (E) intracloud lightning

Answer here: http://goo.gl/forms/W0cQe8h5Nz

Competition Practice Day 45

For the next 50 days, I will post multiple choice questions for you to answer. I expect you to do them! I will print off your explanations and discuss them with you at the next meeting.

Use the link provided to answer these questions.

MC Practice Day 45

89. What should your lightning safety plan take into account?
        (A) the latest weather forecast

        (B) how many people will have to find shelter

        (C) where they will evacuate to

        (D) what emergency materials to bring along

        (E) all of the above

90. Which of the following can you depend on to protect you from lightning?
        (A) a picnic shelter

        (B) a convertible automobile

        (C) a baseball dugout

        (D) a small cluster of trees

        (E) none of the above

Answer here: http://goo.gl/forms/4TqOnzVGtW

Competition Practice Day 44

For the next 50 days, I will post multiple choice questions for you to answer. I expect you to do them! I will print off your explanations and discuss them with you at the next meeting.

Use the link provided to answer these questions.

MC Practice Day 44

87. Thunder travels about one mile every
        (A) 1 second

        (B) 5 seconds

        (C) 15 seconds

        (D) 45 seconds

        (E) 90 seconds

88. A person who has been struck by lightning
        (A) should be administered CPR if he or she is unconcious and not breathing

        (B) should not be touched for at least 60 seconds because of his or her electrified body

        (C) should not be touched at all without proper protection gear

        (D) has very little chance of survival

        (E) should not be dealt with until emergency personnel arrive

Answer here: http://goo.gl/forms/uku1xPKL30

Competition Practice Day 43

For the next 50 days, I will post multiple choice questions for you to answer. I expect you to do them! I will print off your explanations and discuss them with you at the next meeting.

Use the link provided to answer these questions.

MC Practice Day 43

85. A little hole in the air opened by lightning is called a
        (A) thunder

        (B) channel

        (C) passage

        (D) updraft

        (E) downdraft

86. When a lightning bolt strikes the ground, the next bolt, on average, will
        (A) not strike for another 30 seconds

        (B) not strike for another hour

        (C) go off solely inside the cloud

        (D) strike within two to three miles of its predecessor

        (E) strike over seven to eight miles of its predecessor

Answer here: http://goo.gl/forms/R2cfrJDIv1

Meeting #16

By our meeting next week, you should know everything we've covered over the last year.

In addition, you should look up historical storms... every single major hurricane, tornado, and blizzard is fair game for the competition.

Study hard! How will I know next week? Don't worry, I'll know... there's going to be a surprise next week. :)

Competition Practice Day 42

For the next 50 days, I will post multiple choice questions for you to answer. I expect you to do them! I will print off your explanations and discuss them with you at the next meeting.

Use the link provided to answer these questions.

MC Practice Day 42

83. The average bolt of lightning has the width of a
        (A) tire

        (B) coffee cup

        (C) quarter

        (D) pine needle

        (E) glue stick

84. Images of hurricanes are often taken by which satellite?
        (A) GOES

        (B) POES

        (C) TIROS

        (D) NEXRAD

        (E) magnetic

Answer here: http://goo.gl/forms/CXTtSGfKMg

Competition Practice Day 41

For the next 50 days, I will post multiple choice questions for you to answer. I expect you to do them! I will print off your explanations and discuss them with you at the next meeting.

Use the link provided to answer these questions.

MC Practice Day 41

81. The blizzard of January 2016 affected which area of the United States?
        (A) West Coast

        (B) Rocky Mountain Region

        (C) Midwest

        (D) Deep South

        (E) East Coast

82. The Dust Bowl of the 1930s was a
        (A) severe tornado outbreak

        (B) damaging winter storm

        (C) destructive flood

        (D) prolonged period of drought

        (E) none of the above

Answer here: http://goo.gl/forms/H2nNhVQNd6

Competition Practice Day 40

For the next 50 days, I will post multiple choice questions for you to answer. I expect you to do them! I will print off your explanations and discuss them with you at the next meeting.

Use the link provided to answer these questions.

MC Practice Day 40

79. The deadliest hurricane ever recorded in US history was
        (A) Hurricane Katrina

        (B) Hurricane Sandy

        (C) Hurricane Andrew

        (D) Galveston Hurricane of 1900

        (E) Lake Okeechobee Hurricane of 1928

80. The Tri-State Tornado of 1925 did NOT go through which of the following states?
        (A) Missouri

        (B) Illinois

        (C) Michigan

        (D) Indiana

        (E) The tornado went through all of the above states.

Answer here: http://goo.gl/forms/ETRTIxmweI

Competition Practice Day 39

For the next 50 days, I will post multiple choice questions for you to answer. I expect you to do them! I will print off your explanations and discuss them with you at the next meeting.

Use the link provided to answer these questions.

MC Practice Day 39

77. Which of the following lists the following steps in the water cycle in order?
                    I. a rain cloud is formed
                   II. gravity causes the water droplets to fall as rain
                  III. warm air rises
                  IV. water droplets get bigger
        (A) III, I, IV, II

        (B) I, IV, III, II

        (C) III, IV, II, I

        (D) I, II, IV, III

        (E) none of the above

78. Which factor most determines what a snowflake will look like?
        (A) weather

        (B) sunshine

        (C) wind speed

        (D) wind direction

        (E) temperature

Answer here: http://goo.gl/forms/DYMT1RM1Tj

Competition Practice Day 38

For the next 50 days, I will post multiple choice questions for you to answer. I expect you to do them! I will print off your explanations and discuss them with you at the next meeting.

Use the link provided to answer these questions.

MC Practice Day 38

75. Which of the following lists the life cycles of a thunderstorm in order from beginning to end?
        (A) dissipating, mature, cumulus

        (B) dissipating, cumulus, mature

        (C) cumulus, dissipating, mature

        (D) mature, cumulus, dissipating

        (E) cumulus, mature, dissipating

76. Raindrops begin to fall during which stage of a thunderstorm?
        (A) cumulus stage

        (B) mature stage

        (C) dissipating stage

        (D) alto stage

        (E) none of the above

Answer here: http://goo.gl/forms/kK977GiIjR

Competition Practice Day 37

For the next 50 days, I will post multiple choice questions for you to answer. I expect you to do them! I will print off your explanations and discuss them with you at the next meeting.

Use the link provided to answer these questions.

MC Practice Day 37

73. Isotherms are lines that separate
        (A) air pressure

        (B) temperature

        (C) relative humidity

        (D) rainfall totals

        (E) wind direction

74. Isobars are lines that separate
        (A) air pressure

        (B) temperature

        (C) relative humidity

        (D) rainfall totals

        (E) wind direction

Answer here: http://goo.gl/forms/1mZnokgI6X

Competition Practice Day 36

For the next 50 days, I will post multiple choice questions for you to answer. I expect you to do them! I will print off your explanations and discuss them with you at the next meeting.

Use the link provided to answer these questions.

MC Practice Day 36

71. The moisture of a pineapple express originates from
        (A) California

        (B) Michigan

        (C) Hawaii

        (D) Canada

        (E) Florida

72. The National Weather Service uses which weather instrument to measure upper air data?

        (A) compass

        (B) pyranometer

        (C) ombrometer

        (D) radiosonde

        (E) solar radiation shield

Answer here: http://goo.gl/forms/hQmJoRnm5i

Meeting #15

Today, we went over the lecture notes for Units 7-11. Link to document if you need it:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1go008q1G8A-6S_A4_BO3x_cpyhv36TX40YVUfo3Oih8

Filled Out Notes:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B5nmsYdf6QD6U2pndmFfaUVMTFE/view?usp=sharing

Homework: continue to do online questions and any unfinished assignments from this year. I WILL BE CHECKING ALL ASSIGNMENT SHEETS FOR UNITS 7-11 NEXT WEEK!

Make sure to look at the objectives for next week! You'll be tested on 8 random objectives at the next meeting. The PowerPoint isn't completed yet, but use it as a reference:
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1Og4lV_J6_-Kgx2y2_tKgzeYKitmIs7KFd_8esMxnEeU/edit#slide=id.g866d6660b_6_118

See you next week! Study hard!

Competition Practice Day 35

For the next 50 days, I will post multiple choice questions for you to answer. I expect you to do them! I will print off your explanations and discuss them with you at the next meeting.

Use the link provided to answer these questions.

MC Practice Day 35

69. Which of the following statements on Michigan Weather is true?
        (A) The Great Lakes have no effect on summer temperatures.

        (B) The Great Lakes only affect the winter temperatures.

        (C) The Great Lakes make weather conditions in Michigan more extreme.

        (D) The Great Lakes surrounding Michigan help to warm the summer temperatures.

        (E) The Great Lakes surrounding Michigan help to cool the summer temperatures.

70. What is the reason why there is so much more snow on west side of Michigan than the east?

        (A) the Adiabatic Process

        (B) Lake Effect Snow

        (C) the Bounded Echo Region

        (D) the Coriolis Effect

        (E) the Chinook

Answer here: http://goo.gl/forms/XeO7kCkSsu

Competition Practice Day 34

For the next 50 days, I will post multiple choice questions for you to answer. I expect you to do them! I will print off your explanations and discuss them with you at the next meeting.

Use the link provided to answer these questions.

MC Practice Day 34

67. Which weather scientist created the first weather balloons to track weather and air masses?
        (A) Gabriel Fahrenheit

        (B) Wladimir Peter Köppen

        (C) C. H. D. Buys Ballot

        (D) Alfred Wegener

        (E) none of the above

68. Which weather scientist is best known for his invention of the mercury thermometer?

        (A) Gabriel Fahrenheit

        (B) Wladimir Peter Köppen

        (C) C. H. D. Buys Ballot

        (D) Alfred Wegener

        (E) none of the above

Answer here: http://goo.gl/forms/f2MNxhmJKn

Competition Practice Day 33

For the next 50 days, I will post multiple choice questions for you to answer. I expect you to do them! I will print off your explanations and discuss them with you at the next meeting.

Use the link provided to answer these questions.

MC Practice Day 33

65. Which weather scientist is well known for his climate classification system?
        (A) Gabriel Fahrenheit

        (B) Wladimir Peter Köppen

        (C) C. H. D. Buys Ballot

        (D) Alfred Wegener

        (E) none of the above

66. Which weather scientist is well known for his work on air flow in large weather systems?

        (A) Gabriel Fahrenheit

        (B) Wladimir Peter Köppen

        (C) C. H. D. Buys Ballot

        (D) Alfred Wegener

        (E) none of the above

Answer here: http://goo.gl/forms/mgO8AZCNTv

Competition Practice Day 32

For the next 50 days, I will post multiple choice questions for you to answer. I expect you to do them! I will print off your explanations and discuss them with you at the next meeting.

Use the link provided to answer these questions.

MC Practice Day 32

63. What is a dew point?
        (A) the amount of water vapor in the air

        (B) the average kinetic energy of an air mass

        (C) the pressure that air exerts at sea level

        (D) the temperature at which water begins to condense out of an air mass

        (E) the temperature at which rainfall begins to turn into snowfall

64. Which of the following is true of a GOES satellite?

        (A) it takes better quality pictures

        (B) it rotates faster around the moon

        (C) it cannot monitor the Earth's equator

        (D) it is located 1,200 km above the Earth's surface

        (E) it monitors the same region on Earth

Answer here: http://goo.gl/forms/wdktxzlblj

Competition Practice Day 31

For the next 50 days, I will post multiple choice questions for you to answer. I expect you to do them! I will print off your explanations and discuss them with you at the next meeting.

Use the link provided to answer these questions.

MC Practice Day 31

61. Which air mass lies over Michigan?
        (A) Continental Polar

        (B) Continental Tropical

        (C) Maritime Polar

        (D) Maritime Tropical

        (E) Maritime Continental

62. What is a front?

        (A) an indicator of water vapor levels in the atmosphere

        (B) a separation line of two climate zones

        (C) a boundary between two different air masses

        (D) a system of warm and calm weather

        (E) none of the above

Answer here: http://goo.gl/forms/ovuYv0tveU

Competition Practice Day 30

For the next 50 days, I will post multiple choice questions for you to answer. I expect you to do them! I will print off your explanations and discuss them with you at the next meeting.

Use the link provided to answer these questions.

MC Practice Day 30

59. What happens during El Niño?
        (A) the global wind patterns shift direction

        (B) water in the Pacific Ocean near the equator becomes colder

        (C) water in the Pacific Ocean near the equator becomes warmer

        (D) the West Coast of the United States becomes drier and colder

        (E) none of the above

60. Which of the following is true about La Niña?

        (A) La Niña generally results in a more active Atlantic Hurricane Season.

        (B) La Niña generally results in a less active Atlantic Hurricane Season.

        (C) La Niña and El Niño are the same.

        (D) La Niña conditions can only exist on land.

        (E) none of the above

Answer here: http://goo.gl/forms/msaVPMgkql

Competition Practice Day 29

For the next 50 days, I will post multiple choice questions for you to answer. I expect you to do them! I will print off your explanations and discuss them with you at the next meeting.

Use the link provided to answer these questions.

MC Practice Day 29

57. Which of the following statements is true?
        (A) The doldrums are an area of stormy weather.

        (B) The NE trade winds blow to the southwest.

        (C) The SE trade winds blow to the southeast.

        (D) The Prevailing Westerlies can only be found between 30°N and 60°N.

        (E) The Polar Easterlies curve toward the poles.

58. Which of the following statements is true?

        (A) The monsoon is a type of hurricane located in the Atlantic.

        (B) The monsoon is a type of hurricane located in the Pacific.

        (C) Typhoons are typically more powerful than hurricanes.

        (D) Hurricanes are typically more power that typhoons.

        (E) Typhoons and hurricanes are different names for the same type of storm.

Answer here: http://goo.gl/forms/Jj7SIeM5dV

Meeting #14

Today, we went over the lecture notes for Units 1-6. Link to document if you need it:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1go008q1G8A-6S_A4_BO3x_cpyhv36TX40YVUfo3Oih8

Filled Out Notes:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B5nmsYdf6QD6U1R5dnNwRHU2UkE/view?usp=sharing

Homework: continue to do online questions and any unfinished assignments from this year. I WILL BE CHECKING ALL ASSIGNMENT SHEETS FOR UNITS 1-6 NEXT WEEK!

Make sure to look at the objectives for next week! You'll be tested on 6 random objectives at the next meeting. The PowerPoint isn't completed yet, but use it as a reference:
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1Og4lV_J6_-Kgx2y2_tKgzeYKitmIs7KFd_8esMxnEeU/edit#slide=id.g86617f56d_2_511

See you next week! Study hard!

Competition Practice Day 28

For the next 50 days, I will post multiple choice questions for you to answer. I expect you to do them! I will print off your explanations and discuss them with you at the next meeting.

Use the link provided to answer these questions.

MC Practice Day 28

55. What type of wind pattern is found between 60°N and 90°N?
        (A) doldrums

        (B) NE trade winds

        (C) SE trade winds

        (D) prevailing westerlies

        (E) polar easterlies

56. Michigan experiences with weather pattern?

        (A) doldrums

        (B) NE trade winds

        (C) SE trade winds

        (D) prevailing westerlies

        (E) polar easterlies

Answer here: http://goo.gl/forms/paGm3RDu74

Competition Practice Day 27

For the next 50 days, I will post multiple choice questions for you to answer. I expect you to do them! I will print off your explanations and discuss them with you at the next meeting.

Use the link provided to answer these questions.

MC Practice Day 27

53. Trade winds blow to the
        (A) equator

        (B) north pole

        (C) south pole

        (D) northern horse latitude

        (E) southern horse latitude

54. The prevailing westerlies blow to the

        (A) west

        (B) east

        (C) north

        (D) south

        (E) it depends

Answer here: http://goo.gl/forms/oBJtX4nJuU

Competition Practice Day 26

For the next 50 days, I will post multiple choice questions for you to answer. I expect you to do them! I will print off your explanations and discuss them with you at the next meeting.

Use the link provided to answer these questions.

MC Practice Day 26

51. Derechos are usually associated with
        (A) warm fronts

        (B) cold fronts

        (C) occluded fronts

        (D) stationary fronts

        (E) pressure fronts

52. What type of front is formed when a cold front overtakes a warm front?

        (A) warm front

        (B) cold front

        (C) occluded front

        (D) stationary front

        (E) pressure front

Answer here: http://goo.gl/forms/I913Xqkgys

Competition Practice Day 25

For the next 50 days, I will post multiple choice questions for you to answer. I expect you to do them! I will print off your explanations and discuss them with you at the next meeting.

Use the link provided to answer these questions.

MC Practice Day 25

49. Hailstones become bigger when they
        (A) get caught in the updraft

        (B) get caught in the downdraft

        (C) enter a tornado

        (D) fall to the ground

        (E) hit the ground

50. Tornadoes are most likely to form during what time of day?

        (A) dawn

        (B) morning

        (C) afternoon

        (D) evening

        (E) nighttime

Answer here: http://goo.gl/forms/FQUEU6TJwR

Invitational Results

So I heard that you guys only placed sixth — that's a big problem. Either I missed something or you guys didn't work as hard this year. Last year's team scored first and beat everyone else by a large margin, which makes this result quite disappointing. In addition, they had fewer resources than you guys, so there are no excuses for this result.

We're going to talk about this at our next meeting on the 21st.

4/17 Invitational Review Links

Here are the links for all the reviews! Make sure you know this information for Sunday! Try to get 1st place... last year's team got first, so let's continue the tradition. Don't let me down! (In addition, you have more resources than last year, so there are no excuses.)

Unit 1:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1bK3mzpfOBfL2N36aqdmUXD2BHtd1oLIDKIYbg_INRtY

Unit 2:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1wSsLrNa782aHwe9pPAZvRkmg_wE4nH2idp2gfbTFuKM

Unit 3:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1lmJnht21LZ9qZ08B_xbnt1Qtf2WL_d9-ydR6jvyDXQc

Unit 4:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1H50ieYL2w3jTxZmYXNET3TjkFYZJbz9W_x94g6Zmg-c

Unit 5:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1SOnu1Qs0Xl1mQvFR3uVBoK7_b39nHOsdUVHWGY5CMT4

Unit 6:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1QJuxqmg1nUo15vxR5t1TobT7PqeNJd5vwLfcgZ2U6WA

Unit 7:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1O_khanPxeC7TUVWX1aBRNvK87fjRF8qAm-Naw2j2Y8E

Unit 8:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/17H3MaYPu-fhG8TEYbpxsbz0ky2T7YfNfdByGTYWpOO0

Unit 9:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_Vd3Yr0hRcTN_v9wtqGhq-gYCNP7FTBkNh--neY7-bw

Unit 10:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Vj1UtclfAWe69sOJfAfONwG81LsPAZI546Bsj8GtSL0

Unit 11:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1kMIOiQjuQQtSuqOomUUwqwVAOJ80nrfC0biY3cpiM-o

Unit 12:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/14kz-1flABAENhdgwj6bV-edkKCP-UKzBjyI6TzakqTk

Unit 13:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1KGLQlBTHPk0UHqg2YSdBY8sBupM40dU1Ecjo35fLAyE

Unit 14:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1P7cvMxXVO4s9-zlGT0LL6oBpdwnfZBni9i-P9ZXzPrg

Unit 15:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1MzjCRqHVToQcMIol9piSGA8iWG1P55oGqB4Mv944_uA

Unit 16:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1pFt2QEn2vrHf18zeuAfVOCyys0PgpmWT8YhmkhAIrxk

Unit 17:

You should know...

1) Gabriel Fahrenheit: invented mercury-in-glass thermometer, developed Fahrenheit temperature scale

2) Wladimir Peter Köppen: developed climate classification system

3) C. H. D. Buys Ballot: explained direction of air flow in large weather systems, devised table to measure period of sun's rotation from daily observations of temperature

4) Alfred Wegener: pioneer of polar air circulation research, pioneered the use of weather balloons to track air masses, Theory of Continental Drift

That's pretty much it. Make sure that you look over the types of lightning in Unit 7 since we didn't really cover that too much (cloud-to-ground, intracloud, etc.) and historical storms. If you have any questions, you can email me at ajz1998@gmail.com or ajzhou066@pccsk12.com.

Also, take the practice exam at the end of last week's packet. If you need any answers, email me at the address above. Good luck!

P.S. If there are any questions you don't know on the test, tell me through email or through commenting on this post. I will update the information for next year!

Competition Practice Day 24

For the next 50 days, I will post multiple choice questions for you to answer. I expect you to do them! I will print off your explanations and discuss them with you at the next meeting.

Use the link provided to answer these questions.

MC Practice Day 24

47. What is the difference between a tornado and a funnel cloud?
        (A) funnel clouds are stronger than tornadoes

        (B) funnel clouds last over 2 hours

        (C) funnel clouds are not cone-shaped

        (D) funnel clouds form over water

        (E) funnel clouds do not touch the ground

48. What is the difference between a tornado and a waterspout?

        (A) waterspouts are stronger than tornadoes

        (B) waterspouts last over 2 hours

        (C) waterspouts are not cone-shaped

        (D) waterspouts form over water

        (E) waterspouts do not touch the ground

Answer here: http://goo.gl/forms/98OwQGBbvc

Competition Practice Day 23

For the next 50 days, I will post multiple choice questions for you to answer. I expect you to do them! I will print off your explanations and discuss them with you at the next meeting.

Use the link provided to answer these questions.

MC Practice Day 23

45. Supercell thunderstorms usually produce
        (A) no tornadoes

        (B) weak tornadoes

        (C) strong tornadoes

        (D) landspouts

        (E) dust devils

46. Wall clouds are usually found on what side of storms?

        (A) northwest

        (B) southwest

        (C) northeast

        (D) southeast

        (E) depends on the strength of the storm

Answer here: http://goo.gl/forms/hC3dLTX0Lm

Competition Practice Day 22

For the next 50 days, I will post multiple choice questions for you to answer. I expect you to do them! I will print off your explanations and discuss them with you at the next meeting.

Use the link provided to answer these questions.

MC Practice Day 22

43. Which of the following scales measures wind intensity?
        (A) Fujita Scale

        (B) Saffir-Simpson Scale

        (C) Richter Scale

        (D) Palmer Index

        (E) Beaufort Scale

44. Which of the following scales measures drought intensity?

        (A) Fujita Scale

        (B) Saffir-Simpson Scale

        (C) Richter Scale

        (D) Palmer Index

        (E) Beaufort Scale

Answer here: http://goo.gl/forms/Ke4hKs1Vuv

Competition Practice Day 21

For the next 50 days, I will post multiple choice questions for you to answer. I expect you to do them! I will print off your explanations and discuss them with you at the next meeting.

Use the link provided to answer these questions.

MC Practice Day 21

41. Which of the following scales measures tornado intensity?
        (A) Fujita Scale

        (B) Saffir-Simpson Scale

        (C) Richter Scale

        (D) Palmer Index

        (E) Beaufort Scale

42. Which of the following scales measures hurricane intensity?

        (A) Fujita Scale

        (B) Saffir-Simpson Scale

        (C) Richter Scale

        (D) Palmer Index

        (E) Beaufort Scale

Answer here: http://goo.gl/forms/tfwtGnSm0F

Competition Practice Day 20

For the next 50 days, I will post multiple choice questions for you to answer. I expect you to do them! I will print off your explanations and discuss them with you at the next meeting.

Use the link provided to answer these questions.

MC Practice Day 20

39. A storm with wind speeds of less than 74 mph is classified as a
        (A) Category 4 Hurricane

        (B) Category 3 Hurricane

        (C) Category 2 Hurricane

        (D) Category 1 Hurricane

        (E) Tropical Storm

40. Which of the following statements is true?

        (A) In the Northern Hemisphere, hurricanes rotate in a clockwise direction.

        (B) In the Northern Hemisphere, hurricanes rotate in a counter-clockwise direction.

        (C) A hurricane with wind speeds of 134 mph is classified as a Category 5 Hurricane.

        (D) Category 1 and 2 Hurricanes are not dangerous.

        (E) Typhoons and Hurricanes are two vastly different types of storms.

Answer here: http://goo.gl/forms/a6ndHri7E5

Competition Practice Day 19

For the next 50 days, I will post multiple choice questions for you to answer. I expect you to do them! I will print off your explanations and discuss them with you at the next meeting.

Use the link provided to answer these questions.

MC Practice Day 19

37. A fast moving winter system common to Michigan is a(n)
        (A) Alberta Clipper

        (B) Nor'easter

        (C) Avalanche

        (D) Frost Quake

        (E) Thundersnow

38. Nor'easters are most likely to occur in which state?

        (A) Michigan

        (B) Florida

        (C) New York

        (D) California

        (E) Texas

Answer here: http://goo.gl/forms/ipFxq2fgQN

Competition Practice Day 18

For the next 50 days, I will post multiple choice questions for you to answer. I expect you to do them! I will print off your explanations and discuss them with you at the next meeting.

Use the link provided to answer these questions.

MC Practice Day 18

35. What are snowflakes made out of?
        (A) ice crystals

        (B) dust particles

        (C) alcohol droplets

        (D) potato chips

        (E) corn flakes

36. Snow formation is linked with which aspect of the water cycle?

        (A) evaporation

        (B) transpiration

        (C) infiltration

        (D) deposition

        (E) sublimation

Answer here: http://goo.gl/forms/Gn1SER3v76

Competition Practice Day 17

For the next 50 days, I will post multiple choice questions for you to answer. I expect you to do them! I will print off your explanations and discuss them with you at the next meeting.

Use the link provided to answer these questions.

MC Practice Day 17

33. If 20 seconds pass between lightning and thunder, how far away is the storm?
        (A) 1 mile

        (B) 2 miles

        (C) 3 miles

        (D) 4 miles

        (E) 5 miles

34. A typical thunderstorm lasts how long?

        (A) 2½ hours

        (B) 2 hours

        (C) 1½ hours

        (D) 1 hour

        (E) 30 minutes

Answer here: http://goo.gl/forms/VNJXKpq8af

Competition Practice Day 16

For the next 50 days, I will post multiple choice questions for you to answer. I expect you to do them! I will print off your explanations and discuss them with you at the next meeting.

Use the link provided to answer these questions.

MC Practice Day 16

31. Which of the following is a safe choice to make during a thunderstorm?
        (A) hide under a tree for protection

        (B) hide in a body of water

        (C) hide in the closest building you can find

        (D) don't hide and just carry on with your business; thunderstorms are not really dangerous

        (E) all of the above

32. Which of the following is true of lightning?

        (A) Positive charges build up at the bottom of the cloud.

        (B) Positive charges build up at the top of the cloud.

        (C) Positive charges build up at the center of the cloud.

        (D) Positive charges do not build up, only negative charges do.

        (E) None of the Above

Answer here: http://goo.gl/forms/p2h13WstSc

Competition Practice Day 15

For the next 50 days, I will post multiple choice questions for you to answer. I expect you to do them! I will print off your explanations and discuss them with you at the next meeting.

Use the link provided to answer these questions.

MC Practice Day 15

29. What are the three basic ingredients needed to create a thunderstorm?
        (A) dryness, unstable air, lift

        (B) dryness, stable air, lift

        (C) moisture, unstable air, lift

        (D) moisture, stable air, lift

        (E) none of the above

30. Which of the following is true?

        (A) Thunderstorms are associated with high pressure systems.

        (B) Thunderstorms are associated with cold weather.

        (C) Thunderstorms are most likely to occur at nighttime.

        (D) Thunderstorms are most likely to occur in the afternoon.

        (E) Thunderstorms do not exist.

Answer here: http://goo.gl/forms/X8ZaGs6OsQ

Competition Practice Day 14

For the next 50 days, I will post multiple choice questions for you to answer. I expect you to do them! I will print off your explanations and discuss them with you at the next meeting.

Use the link provided to answer these questions.

MC Practice Day 14

27. A thunderstorm is produced by a
        (A) cumulonimbus cloud

        (B) stratus cloud

        (C) nimbostratus cloud

        (D) cumulus cloud

        (E) cirrus cloud

28. Thunderstorms can bring
                   I. gusty winds
                   II. heavy rain
                   III. tornadoes

        (A) I only

        (B) II only

        (C) III only

        (D) I and II only

        (E) I, II, and III

Answer here: http://goo.gl/forms/Siz2fRrUhU

Competition Practice Day 13

For the next 50 days, I will post multiple choice questions for you to answer. I expect you to do them! I will print off your explanations and discuss them with you at the next meeting.

Use the link provided to answer these questions.

MC Practice Day 13

25. Wind chill is temperature combined with
        (A) air pressure

        (B) relative humidity

        (C) snowfall

        (D) wind direction

        (E) wind speed

26. The Heat Index is temperature combined with

        (A) air pressure

        (B) relative humidity

        (C) snowfall

        (D) wind direction

        (E) wind speed

Answer here: http://goo.gl/forms/wbfHR6oIyj

Competition Practice Day 12

For the next 50 days, I will post multiple choice questions for you to answer. I expect you to do them! I will print off your explanations and discuss them with you at the next meeting.

Use the link provided to answer these questions.

MC Practice Day 12

23. Which of the following statements is true?
        (A) Low pressure systems are associated with fair weather and light winds.

        (B) High pressure systems are associated with stormy weather and strong winds.

        (C) Winds flow into high pressure systems.

        (D) Winds flow into low pressure systems.

        (E) None of the above statements are true.

24. Which of the following is not a unit of pressure?

        (A) atmosphere (atm)

        (B) millibar (mb)

        (C) milliliter (mL)

        (D) pounds per square inch (psi)

        (E) inches of Mercury (inHg)

Answer here: http://goo.gl/forms/i5wdLpyhss

Competition Practice Day 11

For the next 50 days, I will post multiple choice questions for you to answer. I expect you to do them! I will print off your explanations and discuss them with you at the next meeting.

Use the link provided to answer these questions.

MC Practice Day 11

21. What can you find between the mesosphere and thermosphere?
        (A) tropopause

        (B) mesopause

        (C) thermopause

        (D) stratopause

        (E) exopause

22. The atmosphere is mainly composed of which two gases?

        (A) nitrogen and oxygen

        (B) oxygen and water vapor

        (C) nitrogen and water vapor

        (D) oxygen and carbon dioxide

        (E) nitrogen and carbon dioxide

Answer here: http://goo.gl/forms/774u6HB44q

Competition Practice Day 10

For the next 50 days, I will post multiple choice questions for you to answer. I expect you to do them! I will print off your explanations and discuss them with you at the next meeting.

Use the link provided to answer these questions.

MC Practice Day 10

19. Weather occurs in which layer of the atmosphere?
        (A) stratosphere

        (B) thermosphere

        (C) troposphere

        (D) exosphere

        (E) mesosphere

20. Meteors burn up in which layer of the atmosphere?

        (A) stratosphere

        (B) thermosphere

        (C) troposphere

        (D) exosphere

        (E) mesosphere

Answer here: http://goo.gl/forms/t9W8MVjgfH

Competition Practice Day 9

For the next 50 days, I will post multiple choice questions for you to answer. I expect you to do them! I will print off your explanations and discuss them with you at the next meeting.

Use the link provided to answer these questions.

MC Practice Day 9

17. Which of the following lists the layers of the atmosphere in order, from lowest to highest?
        (A) troposphere, mesosphere, stratosphere, thermosphere, exosphere

        (B) troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere, exosphere

        (C) troposphere, thermosphere, mesosphere, stratosphere, exosphere

        (D) thermosphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, troposphere, exosphere

        (E) stratosphere, mesosphere, troposphere, thermosphere, exosphere

18. The Ozone Layer is located in which layer of the atmosphere?

        (A) stratosphere

        (B) thermosphere

        (C) troposphere

        (D) exosphere

        (E) mesosphere

Answer here: http://goo.gl/forms/Qn6GZVVuuH

Competition Practice Day 8

For the next 50 days, I will post multiple choice questions for you to answer. I expect you to do them! I will print off your explanations and discuss them with you at the next meeting.

Use the link provided to answer these questions.

MC Practice Day 8

15. The process in which water vapor turns back into water is known as what?
        (A) evaporation

        (B) transpiration

        (C) condensation

        (D) infiltration

        (E) sublimation

16. The process in which precipitation soaks through soil is known as what?

        (A) evaporation

        (B) transpiration

        (C) condensation

        (D) infiltration

        (E) sublimation

Answer here: http://goo.gl/forms/QKnlSSj39N

Competition Practice Day 7

For the next 50 days, I will post multiple choice questions for you to answer. I expect you to do them! I will print off your explanations and discuss them with you at the next meeting.

Use the link provided to answer these questions.

MC Practice Day 7

13. What is the importance of the moon?
        (A) It alters long term weather conditions.

        (B) It is responsible for climate change.

        (C) It causes the seasons.

        (D) It recirculates the oceans.

        (E) It provides a source of heat.

14. Which of the following is NOT a greenhouse gas?

        (A) Water Vapor

        (B) Oxygen

        (C) Carbon Dioxide

        (D) Nitrous Oxide

        (E) Methane

Answer here: http://goo.gl/forms/WV26Fpwe8n

Competition Practice Day 6

For the next 50 days, I will post multiple choice questions for you to answer. I expect you to do them! I will print off your explanations and discuss them with you at the next meeting.

Use the link provided to answer these questions.

MC Practice Day 6

11. During an equinox, the sun is directed at the
        (A) Equator

        (B) Tropic of Cancer

        (C) Tropic of Capricorn

        (D) North Pole

        (E) South Pole

12. The shortest day of the year occurs during which event?

        (A) Vernal Equinox

        (B) Autumnal Equinox

        (C) Spring Solstice

        (D) Summer Solstice

        (E) Winter Solstice

Answer here: http://goo.gl/forms/nlPKJsVuOG

Competition Practice Day 5

For the next 50 days, I will post multiple choice questions for you to answer. I expect you to do them! I will print off your explanations and discuss them with you at the next meeting.

Use the link provided to answer these questions.

MC Practice Day 5

9. Michigan is located in which climate zone?
        (A) humid subtropical

        (B) humid continental

        (C) marine west coast

        (D) mediterranean

        (E) subarctic

10. Which of the following is NOT a factor that directly affects climate?

        (A) latitude

        (B) proximity to water

        (C) vegetation

        (D) elevation

        (E) air masses

Answer here: http://goo.gl/forms/IMdWY51glB

Competition Practice Day 4

For the next 50 days, I will post multiple choice questions for you to answer. I expect you to do them! I will print off your explanations and discuss them with you at the next meeting.

Use the link provided to answer these questions.

MC Practice Day 4

7. Which of the following climate systems covers approximately 27% of the Earth's surface?
        (A) atmosphere

        (B) hydrosphere

        (C) cryosphere

        (D) lithosphere

        (E) biosphere

8. Nearly what percent of the Earth's freshwater is found in the cryosphere?

        (A) 20%

        (B) 25%

        (C) 33%

        (D) 50%

        (E) 75%

Answer here: http://goo.gl/forms/t4kJeaMeYy

Competition Practice Day 3

For the next 50 days, I will post multiple choice questions for you to answer. I expect you to do them! I will print off your explanations and discuss them with you at the next meeting.

Use the link provided to answer these questions.

MC Practice Day 3

5. Water freezes at which of the following temperatures?
                      I. 273 K
                      II. 32°C
                      III. 0°F

        (A) I only

        (B) II only

        (C) III only

        (D) II and III only

        (E) I, II, and III

6. 95°F is equal to (you must show work!)

        (A) 25°C

        (B) 30°C

        (C) 35°C

        (D) 40°C

        (E) none of the above

Answer here: http://goo.gl/forms/pA2Eg496R4

Competition Practice Day 2

For the next 50 days, I will post multiple choice questions for you to answer. I expect you to do them! I will print off your explanations and discuss them with you at the next meeting.

Use the link provided to answer these questions.

MC Practice Day 2
3. Which of the following instruments measures wind direction?

        (A) wind vane

        (B) anemometer

        (C) compass

        (D) hygrometer

        (E) barometer

4. Doppler Radar measures

        (A) relative humidity

        (B) temperature

        (C) air pressure

        (D) precipication intensity

        (E) wind direction

Answer here: http://goo.gl/forms/7X8esnvkCz

Competition Practice Day 1

For the next 50 days, I will post multiple choice questions for you to answer. I expect you to do them! I will print off your explanations and discuss them with you at the next meeting.

Use the link provided to answer these questions.

MC Practice Day 1

Today, the sky is covered with altostratus and altocumulus clouds. 

1. Altostratus and altocumulus clouds predict what kind of weather?

        (A) cold weather

        (B) dry weather

        (C) hot weather

        (D) fair weather

        (E) rainy weather

2. Altostratus and altocumulus clouds are

        (A) high level clouds

        (B) middle level clouds

        (C) low level clouds

        (D) vertically growing clouds

        (E) horizontally growing clouds

Answer here: http://goo.gl/forms/Q0ZfdzbYxB
The link is here, by the way...

Meeting #11

We took our final quiz today, and will be doing review for the next few months.

I will be posting daily questions from today until the regional competition. I expect you to do them!

We will discuss the questions at the next meeting. I will also give you some review material.

I will know if you do not do the questions! It's just two questions a day... so come on, do them. You want to get 1st place, don't you?

Reminder

Just as a reminder, you should be half way through your packet by now! We'll have a quiz on everything from Units 14-17 next week! This information is the last we'll learn before we review.

Our next meeting should be on the 24th.

For Unit 17, use online resources to find your information. For Units 15 and 16, use the website on the sheet (or the review found on this page under Units and Resources).

Meeting #10

Just as a note, I will not be here for next week's meeting, March 17th. Homework this week is the entire packet, Units 14-17. We will be having a quiz on all four sections on March 24th.

Make sure to review everything that we've covered this year! The invitation is in a month, so study hard!

Try to finish half the packet by the 17th. You guys should review together at that meeting.

All resources can be found on the resources tab of this website. If anything is private, message me and I will give you permission. Email: ajz1998@gmail.com.

Meeting #9

Today we took the Units 9-11 Quiz. Homework this week is to complete Units 12 and 13.

We're on a time crunch right now so try not to miss any future meetings! Study hard!

Weather or Not Rules 2016 - Make Sure You Read This!

http://macombso.org/images/mesodocs/2016/event_coach_workshop/stars/2016weather.pdf

SNOW DAY 2/25 - MEETING CANCELLED

Due to the snow day tomorrow, the Units 9, 10, and 11 quiz will be pushed until our next meeting, March 3rd. See you then.

Reminder

We will be having a quiz on Units 9, 10, and 11 tomorrow at our next meeting. Remember to study hard!

If you have any questions...

If you have any questions on this week's assignments, email me at ajz1998@gmail.com or comment below. See you guys next week!

IMPORTANT MESSAGE

THERE IS NO MEETING THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11.

Because of the lack of time until competition, here are the assignments that you MUST complete by the following meeting, February 25. They will be checked for completion! You have an entire week to do this, so there is no excuse!

UNIT 9 (you should have all of this already): Notes, Assignment Sheet, Reading
UNIT 10 (everything here, print it off!): https://drive.google.com/file/d/1czmSKiJDsy_WH-izNli5AIpQcsPSdE6XqiDzHSY4FwWGaKroL2Q9g5ipTGlVALwS_XzlGi4BAYCyeixZ/view?usp=sharing
UNIT 11 (everything here, print it off!): https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iSMp1_Pzz6EkhfZNE79KXvKhLdhRStVCI7K1Rg9cWBIczGhoc0D6czuH3FfBvN0mPpocQOTPENdpCE7b/view?usp=sharing

This is the plan for next meeting:

• Check in HW
• Take Unit 9 Quiz
• Take Unit 10 Quiz
• Take Unit 11 Quiz
• Talk about Midterm, if time

Units 1-8 Exam

Here is a copy of the test we took on Thursday:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1K4b1b9B4o6TtKAXYW9Z71gfU5tQK3iGOK9Kpqt7bG9c

Questions you got wrong:

#1 should be (E), but you answered (C).
#2 should be (B), but you answered (C).
#4 should be (A), but you answered (B).
#8 should be (B), but you answered (A).
#9 should be (B), but you answered (C).
#16 should be (B), but you answered (A).
#18 should be (E), but you answered (C).
#19 should be (A), but you answered (B).
#22 should be (E), but you answered (C).
#24 should be (A), but you answered (B).
#27 should be (A), but you answered (B).

Wow... for the first eleven questions you got wrong, they all had (A), (B), or (E) as an answer... and you always answered (A), (B), or (C). And no (D)'s yet either.

#29 should be (C), but you answered (B).
#30 should be (E), but you answered (D).
#33 should be (C), but you answered (D).
#34 should be (C), but you answered (E).
#39 should be (A), but you answered (B).
#40 should be (B), but you answered (A).
#41 should be (C), but you answered (A).
#42 should be (E), but you answered (B).
#43 should be (B), but you answered (A).
#45 should be (A), but you answered (B)
#46 should be (D), but you answered (E).
#47 should be (A), but you answered (B).
#54 should be (A), but you answered (B).
#55 should be (B), but you answered (A).
#56 should be (A), but you answered (B).
#62 should be (D), but you answered (E).
#64 should be (A), but you answered (B).
#66 should be (C), but you answered (D).
#70 should be (A), but you answered (C).
#73 should be (E), but you answered (B).
#77 should be (E), but you answered (A).
#80 should be (A), but you didn't even answer the question.

You guys got 33 questions wrong on an 80 question test. That's around 58%. The only reason you guys got 60% instead is because the T/F questions were only worth 1 point while the MC questions were worth 2 (and the essays were worth 5). You guys should do better next time.

Meeting #8

Today, we took the Unit 1-8 test. Your score was 78/130, or 60%.

Last year's score was actually 92%, not 68%. Considering that the test you took today was the same as the one that was taken last year (and that I graded your essays easier), today's result reflected a poor performance. It seems that you guys have not mastered the material that we covered earlier this year to the extent that you should.

At the next meeting we will discuss the test answers and any difficulties you may have had with any of the questions. I noticed many dumb mistakes while grading — mistakes that would've been corrected had you actually used your extra time to check over your work rather than dance and goof around.

For homework this week, complete the Unit 9 notes, assignment sheet, and reading. Also, do the Units 7-8 quiz at home. Because of today's poor test performance, I will actually check to see if you did your homework next week. Hopefully slacking wasn't the reason that contributed to today's score.

Once again, we are training for an actual test. If you guys really want 1st place, you have to put work into it. Last year's team got 1st, and they didn't even have as many resources as you have right now. If they can get 1st, so can you.

I'll see you guys next week to discuss test answers. In addition, we'll be taking the Unit 9 quiz at the next meeting.

New Tentative Schedule

February 4 - Cumulative Exam Units 1-8, HW: Units 7-8 Quiz on your own, Unit 9 Assignments
February 11 - Unit 9 Quiz, HW: Units 10-11 Assignments
February 25 - Units 10 and 11 Quizzes, HW: Unit 12 Assignments
March 3 - Unit 12 Quiz, HW: Unit 13 Assignments
March 17 - Unit 13 Quiz, HW: Units 14-15 Assignments
March 24 - Units 14-15 Quizzes, HW: Units 16-17 Assignments
April 7 - Units 16-17 Quizzes, HW: Review
April 14 - Practice Exam for Invitationals
April 16 or 23 - INVITATIONAL
April 28 - Review
May 5 - Review (I won't be here)
May 12 - Review
May 14 - WOSO TOURNAMENT AT SCHOOLCRAFT
June 2016 - End of Season Party

We don't have time to waste! Emergency plan: combine units 12 and 13.

Meeting #7

Ronak, you forgot to take the assignments that I told you to give to Martin. I ended up asking another kid to give Martin his homework...

Anyways, the homework for this week are these worksheets:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1f5_jpLC541ETa7kY_npMIqNsXbQeO_HY8gxbhyxUTQY
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1syBzvXul96tp35eEosg3GNSXwAI66UmypE6uMm_7A5A
https://docs.google.com/document/d/14y8GF-dAgM0l4RE1kcWIPSSSUtooaZOwNXNxfW9DE1o
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1qiO5luckM4RcEUmWv7WIkdKpjGEnx2ZNI70d3LkboXg
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1LKKtpQhadshzHTwIOXizW8t_bJ8L5QsO9T6HB3uSSSI

The review for each unit may be helpful:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1O_khanPxeC7TUVWX1aBRNvK87fjRF8qAm-Naw2j2Y8E
https://docs.google.com/document/d/17H3MaYPu-fhG8TEYbpxsbz0ky2T7YfNfdByGTYWpOO0

Next week we'll have the exam. It will include information on Units 7 and 8. The test will be split into 20 one-minute stations with 4 multiple choice questions and 2 one-minute stations with a short answer/essay. This follows the same format as the actual competition, except with 22 stations instead of 20.

Update

Because Martin will not be here today, we will have the exam next Thursday, February 4th. The HW for this week is Units 7-8 (including Unit 8 reading!)

We will not be taking the Units 7-8 quizzes next week due to time constraints. However, the exam will include questions from these two units so you still have to study!

We'll be taking the same final that last year's students took (except with extra Unit 7-8 questions). Just as a warning: it's more difficult than the actual competition exam! I'll make the same promise here: if you guys manage to get above 95% on this test, I'll reward you with something nice. I think last year the final score was 68%, so it's definitely harder than you think! >:)

(You guys have an extra week this year, so you better get above 68%!)

Meeting #6

I will not be at the meeting today. Make sure that you study everything we've learned so far, as we will be having our first cumulative exam next Thursday, January 28th. Read up on the rules to learn about the structure of next week's exam: http://macombso.org/images/mesodocs/2016/rules/2016weather.pdf

See you then!

New Event Rules

http://macombso.org/images/mesodocs/2016/event_coach_workshop/stars/2016weather.pdf

No Meeting Today, Cumulative Exam 1/28

There was no meeting today, so you guys should review on your own. The exam will still be on the 28th, the day of our next meeting. See you then!

Meeting #5

Today we took the quizzes for Units #5 and #6. After some disappointing results from Martin, Ronak has caught up in points:

Martin: 2
Ronak: 2

Homework this week is to study! I've pushed the cumulative exam (Units 1-6) until the 28th. We will review for next week. Please bring any questions that you may have.

Tentative Schedule for the Future:
January 14 - Review
January 28 - Cumulative Exam Units 1-6, Hand out Units 7 and 8 Assignments
February 4 - Units 7 and 8 Quizzes, Hand out Unit 9 Assignments
February 11 - Unit 9 Quiz, Hand out Units 10 and 11 Assignments (for break)
February 25 - Units 10 and 11 Quizzes
March 3 - Cumulative Exam Units 7-11, Hand out Units 12 and 13 Assignments
March 17 - Units 12 and 13 Quizzes, Hand out Units 14 and 15 Assignments
March 24 - Units 14 and 15 Quizzes, Hand out Units 16 and 17 Assignments
April 7 - Unit 16 and 17 Quiz, Review
April 14 - Practice Exam for Invitationals
April 16 or 23 - INVITATIONAL
April 28 - Review
May 5 - Review
May 12 - Review
May 14 - WOSO TOURNAMENT AT SCHOOLCRAFT
June 2016 - End of Season Party