An earth science web site for Randolph High School

Meteorology assignments were created for ninth grade earth science students in Randolph, New Jersey that used primarily online products to explore local weather phenomena. Students were challenged to learn about weather variables and processes through the interpretation of a wide range of data and products such as satellite images, colorfilled air temperature maps, and twice-daily observations collected by a fellow student. These materials were made available via the Randolph High School Earth Science (RHSES) Web Site and linked to the Randolph Township School District home page (http://www.rtnj.org).

The RHSES Web Site was initially developed by the author for the spring 2005 meteorology unit. The first-year goal was to provide online meteorology materials that supported the exploration and understanding of key concepts and processes. Examples of covered topics include a comparison of air temperature and dew point and an understanding of the sea breeze effect along the local coastline.

The RHSES Web Site empowered RHSES educators to utilize observations of recent, local weather phenomena as part of the learning experience. Lab and homework assignments requiring online materials were posted along with any necessary data, products, and outside links. Class notes and other curriculum materials were created or modified to take advantage of the concepts covered via the online materials.

The RHSES Web Site can be used anywhere to teach localized examples of weather variables and processes in motion or as a guide for fellow educators to blend the latest in science and technology within the K-12 classroom. The RHSES Web Site will be expanded to include other units within the earth science curriculum.