The Weather Graphics and Simulation Laboratory (WGSL) at San Francisco State University (SFSU) is being expanded. Operated by the Meteorology Program of SFSU's Department of Geosciences, the WGSL currently provides real-time weather data, graphics, and simulation software in support of the Meteorology program curriculum. The WGSL is used by the faculty in their preparation of lectures and laboratory exercises to help students visualize the evolution of weather features and to enhance their understanding of the basic physical principles that control the behavior of these events. We identified the following major needs in the Meteorology curriculum: (a) to help students simultaneously visualize the evolution of atmospheric phenomena and analyze their physical causes and (b) to foster an environment in which students will engage in "what if" discussions that involve the manipulation of real weather data to construct different scenarios that involve the manipulation of real weather data to construct different scenarios and predict their outcome. We have observed that students learn difficult concepts best when they can work in small groups, together visualizing atmospheric data, articulating problems and working out solutions. New computer equipment and software are being used to augment the SGSL facilities to provide students with a collaborative learning environment in the affected classes where they have simultaneous access to weather data and a variety of analysis software.
