Atmospheric dynamics: challenging, but enjoyable, really?

“Is that THE dynamics course?” was the quote from a physics professor, stressing the fear and dread underclassmen voiced as they faced Atmospheric Dynamics I and II. Vector forces and a Wallace and Gromit toy, the vorticity equation tilting-twisting term and a pool noodle, conservation of potential vorticity and Silly Putty are a few of the more light-hearted methods used to take the dread out of the year-long requirement on a Valparaiso University junior's schedule. Traditional chalk, or white board derivations from F=ma in August to Q-vectors in May are joined with hands-on demonstrations, experiments, and real-world examples from past and current weather events. Theory is tied to application to strengthen undergraduate comprehension of atmospheric dynamics. Examples of homework assignments, lab experiments, and teaching methods will presented to show that by May the quote from a meteorology major is closer to “It was challenging, but enjoyable.”