Distance Learning in Mexico!

2012-11-29 17:26:24.000 – Brian Fitzgerald,  Weather Observer/Education Specialist

Brian explaining the Thermograph.

Last month we were able to offer our first Distance Learning Program live from the summit of Mount Washington to Alberta, Canada. Today was another first for the Observatory’s Education Outreach when the summit and our Weather Discovery Center in North Conway linked up with one of the fifth grade classes at the Instituto de Thomas Jefferson in Queretaro, Mexico, just north of Mexico City. This completely bi-lingual school sits at an elevation of over 5,000 feet- so they were no strangers to elevation, but few students had ever experienced snow!

Temperatures today in Queretaro were expected to reach the upper 70s which stood in stark contrast to the conditions outside when I spoke with the students. Part of the program involved a lesson from outside on the observation deck where it was -1 degree with 60+ mile per hour winds. Needless to say the students were wondering why anyone would want to spend any amount of time in such a cold and brutal place.

Starting tomorrow the rest of this shift features four more distance learning programs all on the theme of “Extreme Weather Observations,” which gives an in-depth look at what weather variables we measure, how we measure them, and why we think this is a worth-while endeavor for you and me. If you’re curious about learning more about our unique weather on Mount Washington or more about our Educational Offerings, follow the links!

Observer footnote: Our year-end fund drive is taking place through December 31, and we need your support. Please make a tax-deductible donation of any amount here. As a nonprofit, people-powered institution since our founding in 1932, we need your help to continue our work! Thank you in advance for your generosity.

 

Brian Fitzgerald,  Weather Observer/Education Specialist