---
title: "SM1: Atmosphere and Weather Processes (Georgia Science standard)"
code: SM1
cite_as: Georgia Standards of Excellence, Science, SM1
subject: science
grades:
  - high-school
language: en
canonical_url: https://georgiahomeroom.org/standards/code/SM1
md_url: https://georgiahomeroom.org/standards/code/SM1.md
alternate_language_url: https://georgiahomeroom.org/es/standards/code/SM1.md
source_url: https://case.georgiastandards.org/ims/case/v1p1/CFDocuments/27a08dc6-416e-11e7-ba71-02bd89fdd987
source_last_changed: 2025-05-29
data_built: 2026-09-18
publisher: Georgia Homeroom, a free public-interest project of Georgia Civic Data. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the Georgia Department of Education or any school district.
up: https://georgiahomeroom.org/standards/science/high-school.md
index: https://georgiahomeroom.org/standards/index.md
---

# SM1: Atmosphere and Weather Processes

Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about the structure and composition of Earth’s atmosphere and the processes that cause weather.

- Subject: Science
- Appears in: High School, https://georgiahomeroom.org/standards/science/high-school.md

## Expectations

- **SM1.a**: Construct an explanation for how atmospheric properties (i.e., temperature, density, chemical composition, pressure and moisture) influence its structure.
- **SM1.b**: Develop a model that explains seasonal variations in insolation including length of daylight hours, angle of midday sun, and Earth’s axial tilt.
- **SM1.c**: Plan and carry out an investigation to explain how albedo and specific heat (land versus water surfaces) create differences in surface heating.

## Georgia Milestones coverage

No Georgia Milestones blueprint cites this standard.

Source: Georgia Standards of Excellence, published by the Georgia Department of Education at case.georgiastandards.org.