The BOSART Method: Basic Observations, Synoptic Analysis, Research and Teaching

These words exemplify the influence of Dr. Lance Bosart on his students.  An influence that is carried forward into our scientific lives.  The Valparaiso University meteorology program has been a good home to carry on The Bosart Method.  Whether in foundational atmospheric science courses such as Introduction to Meteorology for our freshmen or Atmospheric Dynamics I and II for our juniors, or electives such as Tropical Meteorology or Meteorological Computer Applications, problem solving starts with basic observations, enters into quasi-geostrophic thinking to synoptically analyze the observations, and ends with questions that can be considered both research and teaching. The journey from observations to hypotheses to teachable moments prepares students to question the data, the observations, and, best of all, the model forecasts.  Examples of The Bosart Method in our teaching philosophy and methodology will be presented.