As Project Atmosphere AERAS' partnership with National Weather Service personnel continues to grow, it seems apparent that the best area to infiltrate should be the local AMS chapters in our states. Fanette Entzminger and I first met the members of the Central North Carolina Chapter when Rod Gonski, NWS forecaster, invited us to do a presentation on Project Atmosphere. We found the group to be very interesting in what we were trying to accomplish through our workshops with pro-college teachers. Soon after this meeting, I joined the chapter.
One reason I feel that this interaction has been beneficial, is the fact that it has given me the opportunity to meet a different group of professional meteorologists such as local television, university professors, as well as research meteorologists who work in the triangle park area. Since I am the only
member of the chapter who is a pre-college teacher, the members are beginning to realize the need for providing support for pre- college education. Many of these professionals are just beginning to discover the lack of training pre-college teachers receive in atmospheric science. I have found that most of these
professionals are very willing to help with this endeavor but are waiting to be asked.
Another benefit I have received by being a member of the local chapter has been the opportunity to learn about special programs which the chapter supports. An example of one program is the awarding of scholarships each spring to deserving college students who are pursuing a degree in meteorology. The chapter is trying to find ways to reward pre-college students who have an interest in meteorology. One effort has been to send volunteers from the chapter to judge science fairs. I have been fortunate to represent Project Atmosphere and the chapter by judging atmospheric science projects at the Southeast Regional Science Fair. Teachers and students who attend these fairs are very appreciative for the recognition which leads to an increase in weather topics for the following years.