A Field Experience for High School Meteorology Students—Students Track Potential Killers with the Experts: How the AMS, NWS, NSSL, SPC & Oklahoma University Create a Unique Field Experience for Students

I have developed a field experience, in conjunction with the AMS, NWS-Norman, OK, NSSL, SPC, and Oklahoma University-School of Meteorology, for high school meteorology students. The program has been running for three years and is designed to give students a first hand account of the work and research involved "out in the field." The trip includes a tour of various atmospheric research and forecast facilities along with meetings and lectures from distinct researchers and directors affiliated with the NOAA.

Twelve high school meteorology students and I travel to Oklahoma from Minnesota to learn more about the processes of severe storm prediction and research. In May of 1999, the field experience took on a new twist. We ended up in the middle of what proved to be one of the most devastating outbreak of twisters that have affected the Oklahoma City area in some time.

Unexpectly, we found ourselves within rock throwing distances from the twisters. This was no accident that we were this close, but rather the students received a "hands on" seminar on tornadogenesis with the help of the Doppler on Wheels crew, lead by Dr. Joshua Wurman. From the very first touchdown located near Cement, OK to the devastating F-5 that became totally unleashed over Moore, OK, my students witnessed well over 20 different tornadoes.

Highlights of this field experience are illustrated with color prints, video footage and a slide presentation.