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Meteorology

This is an introduction to the world of Meteorology. Students will look at the origins of meteorology as a science and examine the newest weather satellites. Students will collect and analyze personal weather data, create weather maps, build instruments, fact-check myths, and interview a meteorologist. "What weather conditions form hurricanes and tornadoes?", "how can I use types of clouds to predict incoming weather?", and "how might humans react to and cause changes in weather?" are all questions students will explore.

Students will work both independently and cooperatively using text, graphic, and video sources. Students will investigate weather patterns by analyzing simulation and real-time weather data. There will be an opportunity for students to complete hands-on laboratory activities with common materials as they explore weather phenomenon. By the end of the course, students will better understand the strengths and limitations of weather forecasts and be able to explain the weather systems that affect their daily lives.

Acknowledgements

Please Note: This course contains an end-of-course proctored exam. Instructions for students to identify an appropriate adult proctor are included in the course lessons.

Course Objectives

Students will:

  • Describe and use instruments to measure weather data
  • Collect and analyze temperature, pressure and humidity data and discuss the interrelationships.
  • Explore seasonal differences in Earth’s weather patterns
  • Describe the formation and movement of air masses and frontal systems
  • Create and analyze station models and temperature and pressure maps
  • Describe the causes of, and differences between, global, regional and local wind systems.
  • Analyze the causes and effects of severe weather systems
  • Summarize changes in the study of weather over time.

Additional Requirements

This course requires student access to certain materials for hands-on laboratory activities:

  • Water
  • 2 Liter clear plastic soda bottles
  • Aerosol hair spray or air freshener
  • Glass soda bottle (or similar, such as soy sauce bottle or salad dressing bottle)
  • Sand or pebbles
  • Ruler
  • Permanent-style marker
  • 32oz glass jar
  • Straw
  • Scotch tape, or similar
  • Food coloring
  • 5x8 index card, or similar cardstock
  • Thick rubber band