Purdue University will provide over a period of two years the opportunity for 25 teachers/per year, grades 7-12, to develop a strong foundation in the atmospheric sciences. The Atmospheric Science Education Program will consist of a three-week session during the summer which will cover eight key atmospheric science topics, basic science of meteorology, school weather stations, weather analysis, forecasting, atmospheric moisture, motions, severe weather phenomena and applications of atmospheric sciences to other disciplines. Teachers will be assisted in applying this science content through the development of materials for use in their classrooms. Equipment will be constructed and provided for home school use. Field experience will occupy the participants for one to one and one-half hours each day at the Cherry Lane Field Observing Facility. A school outreach program will be conducted during the school year where project staff will visit classrooms and provide opportunities for follow-up meetings. Individualized consultations will be provided to help teachers adapt the materials and strategies to their own teaching styles. Teacher and student interest in the atmospheric sciences will be heightened by the establishment of a dial-up, computer-based weather data access and electronic bulletin board system. This will be contributed by Purdue University. Also contributed by the University will be 8-10 videotapes about the professional activities of atmospheric scientists and related technological fields. Both of these vehicles will enhance the career access information available to students. Cost-sharing by the University and the school districts who are being asked to support their teacher-participants amounts to 20% of the total cost of the project.
