This chapter describes the technique of preparing GIS-ready data and shows how to map that data and conduct basic analyses using a geographic information system (GIS). First, the user will download and format near real-time and historical earthquake... (View More) data from the USGS. Using latitude and longitude fields, they will then plot these data in a GIS. Next, they will analyze patterns by querying records and overlaying datasets. Finally, they will examine earthquake distributions, monitor current earthquake activity, and try to predict where the next big earthquake will occur on Earth. Includes teaching notes, step-by-step instructions, case study, tools and data, and going further. This chapter is part of the Earth Exploration Toolbook, which provides teachers and/or students with direct practice for using scientific tools to analyze Earth science data. Students should begin on the Case Study page. (View Less)

In preparation for analyzing student cloud observations taken as part of the S'COOL project, this tutorial, consisting of a 29-slide powerpoint, presents step-by-step instructions for selecting data, reviewing results, searching observations on... (View More) results, analyzing data on cloud cover, cloud layers and cloud levels, importing data into Excel, and analyzing that data. S'COOL engages students in making and reporting ground truth observations of clouds then comparing those observations with data from the CERES satellite instrument. The tutorial also includes information on how to analyze student/satellite pairs. (View Less)

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... (View More) 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. (View Less)

This tutorial lays the foundation to participate in the Students' Cloud Observations Online (S'COOL) project. S'COOL engages students in making and reporting ground truth observations of clouds then comparing those observations with data from the... (View More) CERES satellite instrument. Student observations are taken within +/- 15 minutes of the satellite overpass schedule; scientists then use those observations to validate and improve the satellite results. The tutorial covers the following four topics: determining satellite overpass time, observing cloud properties, transmitting results to NASA, and comparing results with satellite-retrieved properties. (View Less)

In this activity, students build a basic understanding of how a sling psychrometer is used to determine relative humidity and learn how to read a chart to determine this relationship. In addition, the student will become familiar with the concept of... (View More) dew point. Materials need to conduct the investigation include two thermometers, a wooden dowel, wood screw, two washers, a section of plastic straw, and a hollow shoelace. The resource includes background information, teaching tips and questions to guide student discussion. This is chapter 11 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. (View Less)

This tutorial on cloud types was designed for participants in the S'COOL project (Student Cloud Observations On-Line). S'COOL engages students in making and reporting ground truth observations of clouds then comparing those observations with data... (View More) from the CERES satellite instrument. As part of those observations, students must collect data on cloud types and cloud levels. The images and text/oral descriptions of each cloud type by altitude will allow students to more accurately collect ground truth data. In addition, the descriptions often include historical background, name derivatives and other relevant information. (View Less)