This activity (on page 2 of the PDF) is a full inquiry investigation into aerial imagery. Learners will use the internet to gather free aerial imagery of nearby points of interest (or use laminated images prepped by educator). Then, they will imagine they are traveling in a spaceship to visit Earth for the first time and explore how their view changes as they approach Earthäóťs surface. Relates to linked video, DragonflyTV GPS: Earthquakes.

Multiple activity, comprehensive lesson plan includes background information, grading rubric, information on associated learning standards and assessment, as well as links to additional external resources. Activity explores the concepts of a hurricane's impact on the environment, society, and economics of a given community. Students map the potential storm surge and flooding on a topographic map and locate and report on past hurricanes in a specific geographical region.

In this activity (page 1 of PDF), learners will construct an air cannon by cutting a hole in the bottom of a bucket and stretching a garbage bag over the other end. Then, they aim the cannon at a paper target and try to knock it over by giving the plastic bag a good whack. Learners also experiment with hole size to make the cannon more effective. Relates to the linked video, DragonflyTV: Forecasting.

In this activity, learners simulate Otto von Guericke's famous Magdeburg Hemispheres experiment. In this modern, low cost version, a pair of learners try to pull apart two suction cups (dent pullers). Learners then calculate the amount of force holding the dent pullers together.

The goal of this course is to introduce participants to the basic concepts of meteorology and air quality necessary to understand meteorological computer models. This course, along with companion courses in Computational Atmospheric Science and Emissions, anticipates the Models3 environment under development by the EPA. Upon completion of the course, participants should understand the fundamental principles of meteorology. In addition, participants will be introduced to the application of these principles to air quality, especially through atmospheric modeling. Moreover, during the course a number of issues involved in simulating atmospheric processes in a computer-based model will be presented.

This short video (~2 minutes) explains how a raindrop falls through the atmosphere and why a more accurate look at raindrops can improve estimates of global precipitation. This information is important to scientists working on the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) mission - understanding the micro world of raindrops provides insight to scientists about the macro world of storms.

This experimental activity is designed to develop basic understanding of the relationship between the angle of light rays and the area over which the light rays are distributed, and the potential to affect changes in the temperature of materials. Resources needed to conduct this activity include a flashlight, cardboard, protractor and ruler. The resource includes background information, a pre-activity inquiry exploration for students, teaching tips and questions to guide student discussion. This is chapter 4 of Meteorology: An Educator's Resource for Inquiry-Based Learning for Grades 5-9. The guide includes a discussion of learning science, the use of inquiry in the classroom, instructions for making simple weather instruments, and more than 20 weather investigations ranging from teacher-centered to guided and open inquiry investigations.

Students will complete this survey that determines their personal and household contributions to atmospheric Carbon dioxide by using information about their previous year's consumption. They will understand that Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas produced by the combustion of fossil fuels, and that its production can be minimized by taking personal steps to conserve.

In this engineering activity, learners will get acquainted with the basics of wind energy and power production by fabricating and testing various blade designs for table-top windmills constructed from one-inch PVC pipe and balsa wood (or recycled materials). This lesson plan is divided into three parts. In Part I, learners explore outdoors and examine where wind comes from. In Part II, learners review the power equation and wind as an energy resource. Finally, in Part III, learners work in groups to construct and test their wind turbines. During each section, learners can view video segments that are linked to this resource.

The lessons at this website were prepared to introduce 5th-8th grade students to the fundamental principles of the earth's atmosphere: history, composition, and structure. Includes three pages of information and features to allow for exploration and expansion of current knowledge. In addition, there are four activities to develop performance skills, not only in science, but in math and language arts as well. Links to external sites also included.

In this activity, learners create a model using metric measuring tapes and atmosphere composition data. Learners will investigate the major components of the atmosphere (nitrogen and oxygen) as well as the minor components which raise questions about global warming and greenhouse gases.

This calculator calculates the type of stability, given the observed (or environmental) lapse rate. We can compare this lapse rate for any given day to the "standard" dry and moist lapse rates shown in the table below. Based on a comparison of these values, we can determine how stable the atmosphere might be.

The atmospheric transport calculator allows for the calculation of the transport of pollutants in the northern and southern hemispheres

Located near Townsville, North Queensland, AIMS researchers collect and analyze data to improve our understanding of the marine world, and to find science-based management practices that ensure long-term sustainable use and development of marine resources. Site features information on facilities, faculty, current projects, open house and other events, and employment opportunities. Also features the Mariner's Journal, a log from several AIMS research cruises.

Air is our most precious resource. Without food, we can live for weeks and without water, we can live for days. But without air to breathe, we survive about 4 minutes! If you visit the top of Mt. Lemmon in Arizona, you will probably notice a shortness of breath due to the thinner atmosphere at 8,000 ft. At the top of Mt. Everest at 29,000 ft. about 99% of the earth's atmosphere is below you. In a commercial jet, traveling across country, you would be dead in minutes without the pressurized cabin and supply of oxygen to breathe.Relative to the planet earth, the atmosphere we survive in is extremely thin. Most people live at or close to sea level since most of the major cities of the world are along coastlines. Some cities and villages in Mexico, South America and China are at higher elevations from 8,000 to 12,000 ft. Few, if any, people actually live above 15,000 ft. Mt McKinley in Alaska is about 20,000 ft high and climbers do get to the top without oxygen tanks but they need tremendous determination due in part to the thin atmosphere.Given that most people live below an altitude of 15,000 ft., calculate the thickness in miles of the atmosphere in which humans effectively live.

This site provides an explanation for cloud formation and seeks to correct myths or misconceptions about how clouds form. Water vapor, condensation, and evaporation are discussed in the context of dew-point temperature and saturation. Educators and anyone explaining cloud formation will find hints on how to present the correct information and avoid misinforming their audiences.

This experimental activity is designed to develop a basic understanding of the interrelationship between temperature and pressure and the structure of a device made to examine this relationship. Resources needed to conduct this activity include two canning jars, two large rubber balloons, a heat lamp or lamp with 150 watt bulb, and access to freezer or water and ice. The resource includes background information, teaching tips and questions to guide student discussion. This is chapter 5 of Meteorology: An Educator's Resource for Inquiry-Based Learning for Grades 5-9. The guide includes a discussion of learning science, the use of inquiry in the classroom, instructions for making simple weather instruments, and more than 20 weather investigations ranging from teacher-centered to guided and open inquiry investigations.

Wilson Alwyn Bentley (1865-1931), famous for his photomicrographs of snow crystals, prepared sets of glass lantern slides of dew, frost and ice crystals. He obtained thousands of photomicrographs of individual ice crystals over the course of his lifetime. Images in this collection are scanned from glass lantern slides. Most snow crystals found in nature will fit into one of these seven main categories: plates, stellar crystals, columns, needles, spatial dendrites, capped columns, and irregular forms. Because there are many variations within these categories which are not separately identified by the International Snow Classification the Bentley project uses the Magono and Lee (1966) snow crystal classification scheme. Each crystal is classified and searchable according to this scheme.

In this quick activity (page 1 of PDF), learners will witness firsthand the effects of Bernoulliäóťs Principle by capturing a ping pong ball in the stream of air created by a hair dryer. Not only does the ball float straight above the dryer, but learners can also experiment by tilting the dryer at an angle, setting the blower on a lower speed, or turning on the heat. Relates to the linked video, DragonflyTV: Kites.

This online simulation game explores the different consequences of water levels on the Columbia River in the Pacific Northwest. Learners play the role of dam operator, controlling how much water passes through the dam each season. First, learners choose whether it's a very dry or wet (or average) year and adjust the level of the reservoir in fall, winter, spring and summer. Learners see how their choices affect the migrating river salmon, power bills, recreation, agriculture, flooding, and fish that live in the reservoir. The results are compared to those of the real operators, and learners can print out a copy of your final report.