"WATER IN THE EARTH SYSTEM"--A NEW ONLINE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

"Water in the Earth System" (WES) is a new American Meteorological Society Education Program initiative that enhances knowledge about the role of water in the earth system. WES provides the opportunity for an integrated study of the role of water moving through the lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere. This professional development program for K - 12 classroom teachers utilizes print and electronic delivery of information. WES is conducted through Local Implementation Teams, consisting of include university, pre-college, and/or professional geoscientists. Participants in WES serve, after training, as Peer Teachers in their localities. This national program can provide a successful model for other professional training projects.