Northeastern Section - 40th Annual Meeting (March 14–16, 2005)

Paper No. 4
Presentation Time: 8:00 AM-12:00 PM

A GEOSCIENCE ENRICHMENT PROGRAM IN METEOROLOGY FOR FOURTH GRADE STUDENTS


MANIERRE, Jennifer T., Geology, Hamilton College, 198 College Hill Road, Clinton, NY 13323 and DOMACK, Cynthia R., Geology Department, Hamilton College, 198 College Hill Road, Clinton, NY 13323, cdomack@hamilton.edu

A five-week geoscience enrichment program in meteorology was designed and implemented for fourth grade students at the Clinton Elementary School in Clinton, New York. The curriculum included the biological affects of weather, structure of the atmosphere, optical phenomena, severe weather, and pollution. A fundamental question was posed at the beginning of each week and students were encouraged to think critically about the topics. Lessons and hands-on activities were accompanied by worksheets and scientific demonstrations. The program provided an opportunity for elementary-age students to learn about meteorology and gain an appreciation of how weather affects their lives.