Astronomy Current Event Topics Earth ’ s shape Earth ’ s motion through space (Precession, nutation, barycenter) Earth ’ s rotation and revolution about the sun Tidal impact due to the gravitation interaction between Earth and Moon Solar energy production Solar radiation Stars Sun Planets Fission – nuclear reaction Fusion – solar reaction Electromagnetic energy – X-rays, cosmic rays Energy flow from sun to Earth through space Earth ’ s magnetic field Photosynthesis

Topics for the current event on Atmosphere/Hydrosphere include: Weather Storms Global warming Greenhouse gases Climate change Clouds Air quality Air masses Weather technology Acid Rain Human impact on the atmosphere Water currents and heat transfer Ground water/surface water Human impact on freshwater availability Water quality in NC river basins, wetlands and tidal environments

Lithosphere Current Event topics: Rocks Volcanoes Earthquakes Plate tectonics weathering and erosion Landslides Avalanches Impact on lithosphere of mining, deforestation, overgrazing, agriculture, urbanization, and conventional and sustainable agriculture.

Ecology Current Event Topics Article that is about NC will be given 10 extra points! Biodiversity (loss of due to human activity) Biomes of NC Soil types of NC Effects of population growth, habitat alteration, introduction of invasive species, pollution, overharvesting Alternative energy sources in NC Traditional vs Sustainable agriculture and aquaculture Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle Ecological Footprint