This program focuses on the connections between the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and aviation and space, and how their work plays a role in your life, every day.
As part of your exploration of the work of NOAA, create an observation journal, using some of the same techniques NOAA does to WATCH - GATHER - INFORM.
You'll need the following supplies: A notebook or several sheets of paper stapled together; something to write with.
Practice making observations using the tools you carry around with you everyday - your 5 senses! While NOAA uses aircraft and satellites to make their observations, you're going to make ground level observations.
Here's what to do:
Take a look around your observation space - do you see or feel any wind? Check the chart above and pick whichever term is closest to your observations, then mark it down in your journal!
How much of your sky is covered by clouds? Look around your observations space and see where the clouds are, then compare it to the examples above. Pick the picture that looks closest to your observations, and record your estimated cloud cover in your journal!
Collect enough data so you can look for patterns in your observations.
Want to take your data gathering to the next level?
Here are instructions to make your own weather station by making 6 commonly used weather instruments.
Download the mPing app which allows you to record observations of the weather in your area and share it with NOAA scientists. See the Citizen Science section below for more information.
Sample mPing data
Put your observations skills into practice and help NOAA scientists!
mPing - use this app to report the weather in your area for the National Severe Storms Laboratory.
I See Change - using this app, you can share the weather in your area and how it is affecting you and your community.
Marine Debris Tracker - learn more about how you can track where you see litter in your area! This helps scientists create a map of pollution that will eventually end up in the ocean, and understand the problem more.
The National Air and Space Museum collects artifacts that tell the history and stories of flight and its relationship to our community. Scroll through some of the artifacts we have from NOAA.
A live, all-star panel of scientists from NOAA, focused on the connection between aircraft, understanding marine species and supporting conservation efforts.
A live all-star panel of scientists from NOAA focused on monitoring weather around the world.
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