The Weather Outside our Window: Teacher Education Through Inquiry-Based Case Studies on Rocky Mountain Front Range Weather

We have developed data-rich, inquiry-based case studies on Colorado Front Range weather, using a place-based approach that incorporates use of real weather data that has relevance to local teachers and students. The cases apply basic weather principles and teach data interpretation skills using real examples of local weather phenomena that have substantial and memorable human impact. A case study based on the Overland Fire of 2003 examines the role of weather in both starting and putting out a wildland fire. The “Big Spring Snow” case examines a record-setting snowstorm that occurred in March 2003, illustrating the modification of general weather patterns by regional topography.

The cases were developed for use in professional development courses for Front Range secondary school teachers, and emphasize Earth Science education that is inquiry-driven, standards-based and relevant to students. We have used these case studies in several Earth science courses for teachers; the feedback from their experiences will be applied to the subsequent development of more student-friendly technologies and additional cases. The materials were created through collaboration between the University of Colorado and the Denver-Boulder chapter of the American Meteorological Society. Undergraduate students participating in the Atmospheric Science minor program at the university gathered data and prepared graphical materials.

In this presentation, we will share both our particular model for data-driven weather education and the general lessons we have learned through this scientist-educator partnership.