GRADE LEVEL: 5th and 6th Grade

TITLE: Science / Meteorology - Taking Weather Observations

INSTRUCTOR:
Troy Kimmel,
Lecturer, Studies in Weather and Climate,
    Department of Geography and the Environment, University of Texas
Chief Meteorologist, Clear Channel Radio (KVET/KASE/KFMK) / Austin
Holder, NWS Certificate of Authority to Take Weather Observations (SRH#125097)
Email: tkimmel@mail.utexas.edu
_____________________________________________________________________

Teacher Resources / Advance Classroom Preparation - Applicable Web Sites:
Clouds / NWS - Southern Region JetStream Weather School
Cloud Classifications / NWS - Southern Region JetStream Weather School
Cloud Types (Text Description)  - Troy Kimmel's UT Website
Cloud Observing Form / NWS - Southern Region JetStream Weather School (pdf form)

AWOS Sensor Array (AWOS III) - AllWeather, Inc

Current LaGrange, Texas (ID: K3T5) AWOS Weather Observation (NWS)
Current LaGrange. Texas Forecast and Weather Observation (NWS)
_____________________________________________________________________

Overview:
Students will be be familiarized with the different elements of weather
and how they are observed by automated weather observing systems which
are primarily located at airports.

Objectives (at the end of the session, students should be able to do these things):
Describe the process of...
- Cloud Observation (Cloud Base Height and Cloud Coverage)
- Temperature Observation
- Humidity Observation
- Wind Direction / Speed Observation
- Pressure Observation
- Visibility Observation
- Precipitation / Thunderstorm Observation

How weather elements constantly change and why this is important to the aviation community

Automated versus human observation of weather elements

METAR/SPECI - Weather Observations: How are they recorded?

Focus Questions:
- How often are weather observations prepared?
- What is the exact process that insures that observations are timely and uniform?
- Why are weather observations important in the weather forecast process?

Time:
30 Minutes

Materials Required:
Clipboard / Paper / Pencil - Provided
MF1M-10C (NWS Surface Weather Observation Form) - Provided