1.4
A weather activity day for local schools in the Dept of Meteorology, University of Reading, UK
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Students were divided into three groups that completed each of the activities:
1. Richardson's forecast factory
This involved tables laid out in a 4x4 array in a
large classroom in which each school student was
supported by someone from the Department - sitting side
by side. The idea was to undertake simple calculations to
follow the progress of a change in temperature across the
array - compared to the same calculation undertaken on a
digital computer.
The exercises undertaken worked very well.
2. Density current
The Fluids Lab was used to illustrate the progress of
a coloured saline solution that undercut fresh water
in a long rectangular tank. Students were involved with
measuring e.g. speed of the leading edge of the current
and how it depended on the density difference.
3. Radiosonde & surface observations
Two radiosondes were launched from the Dept's Atmospheric
Observatory and students were involved in taking/logging
a short series of surface observations including dry and
wetbulb temperature, wind direction and speed and cloud
type and amount. The ascent data were provided for
plotting etc at school, along with a selection of daily
surface data from the Observatory - with suggestions as
to how to process them.
The aims of the day were to illustrate the way in which science and Mathematics are used day-to-day in weather forecasting, to expose young students to a University environment and to promote the Department for local students.
The session ended with a forecast presented by a colleague from the Met Office unit housed in the Department.
Student and teacher feedback was very positive about all aspects of the day.