Using Simple Demonstrations in the Classroom for Meteorological Instruction

Demonstrations in the classroom provide a unique opportunity for students to experience firsthand basic physical concepts taught in meteorology classes. These demonstrations can be used for students of all levels—elementary though postgraduate. The level of complexity of the demonstrations can easily be made age and experience appropriate. I will present three in-class demonstrations to illuminate the basic physical processes associated with atmospheric pressure, infrared radiation, and aerosol-cloud interactions. The basic elements of a successful demonstration will be discussed in each case and features appropriate for students at different levels will be demonstrated. For the atmospheric pressure demonstration, the transition to an out-of-the-classroom demonstration of a water barometer is presented. This exercise provides an effective example of a learning-by-doing experience and a mechanism for inquiry-based instruction.