Wonders of Weather

Students get a first-hand look at technology used in weather monitoring by visiting the Arboretum’s own NOAA weather station.   Anemometers, thermometers and other instruments are used as student study-groups make weather measurements and predictions in multiple locations to learn about how tree cover and other factors affect temperature and wind speed. As an added bonus, groups get to explore a greenhouse and discover how humans can impact weather indoors in order to grow plants.
 
Principles:
  • Temperature, wind direction, wind speed, cloud cover and precipitation can measure weather quantitatively.
  • Tools such as wind vanes, anemometers, thermometers and rain gauges can be used to take weather measurements.
  • Energy from the sun warms the land, air and water.
  • Precipitation can be found it many forms, including rain, snow, hail and fog.
  • Tree cover and stream proximity can alter temperature and moisture levels, which in turn impact plant and animal species that occur in an area.
  • Humans can alter temperature and humidity in a greenhouse to foster plant growth.
Duration: 1.5 hours
 
Cost: $5.00 per student. Payment should be given to the instructor at the start of the program. No charge for one teacher/adult for every five students. 
 
 
 
Months Offered: September-May.
 
NC Science Curriculum Goals: 
Second Grade: 2.03, 2.04, 2.05, 2.06
 
Starting Location: In front of the Production Greenhouse (support facility) at the program start time (either 9:30 am or 12:00 pm) set upon booking the program. Groups arriving early may enjoy the property and facilities. 
 
What do my students need?
Students should wear clothing that is appropriate for the weather. A majority of the program will take place outdoors, so students, teachers and adult chaperones should wear sturdy footwear. Students with physical disabilities or limitations are capable of participating in the walk, but the instructor should be told prior to day of the program to make any special arrangements.
 
Want to schedule this program? Contact Lauren Pyle, Environmental Education Specialist, at lpyle@ncarboretum.org or (828) 665-2492 ext. 224