Building ideas with AMS blocks (Centre Greene Building 1, Room 3150)

Many atmospheric/oceanic concepts can be modeled using the red and blue AMS blocks. Following a series of observations and manipulations of the AMS blocks, participants will model and make inferences about: density, pressure, atmospheric pressure isosurfaces, the jet stream, upper level ridges and troughs, tropopause altitude, sloping ocean surfaces, and the Gulf Stream. Images from the DataStreme homepage links, including 300 mb and 500mb upper level maps, Stüve diagrams, and NOAA/NESDIS sea surface temperatures map, will illustrate applications of these concepts.

This hands-on experience is designed to simplify the processes that drive motion in Earth's atmosphere and ocean. Suggestions for classroom application will be discussed.

Classroom activities and demonstrations used in this workshop are adapted from the DataStreme teacher enhancement courses. Websites and information for DataStreme Atmosphere, DataStreme WES [Water in the Earth System], DataStreme Ocean, and Online Weather will be provided to participants.