Distance Learning

An Educational Expedition to the Home of the World's Worst Weather

Distance learning utilizes live, interactive video conferencing technology, allowing us to bring the science and excitement of Mount Washington anywhere in the world.

Our "Classroom"

In the northeastern United States, a unique combination of topography, geography, and geology creates one of the world’s most extreme environments – the summit of Mount Washington. Nowhere else on Earth experiences such consistent sub-zero temperatures, hurricane-force winds, freezing fog, and driving snow. These extreme conditions have earned Mount Washington the title, “Home of the World’s Worst Weather”.

Programs

Designed to fit Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) for grades 4-12, each program runs approximately one hour and is adapted to fit your class schedule. A live virtual presentation with MWOBS scientists, activities, and worksheets are included with your program fee.

Extreme Weather Observations

This program takes a more scientific look into the work of MWOBS weather observers. Topics covered in this program include Mount Washington’s meteorological means and extremes, the science behind Mount Washington’s notorious weather, and how to take weather observations in an extreme environment. Students will also learn about meteorological variables, such as air pressure and wind, and the instruments used to record atmospheric properties. Additional student activities include a weather journal, a wind graphing and math activity, and a follow-up worksheet.

Fundamentals of Weather

The atmosphere is a complex system that interacts with other systems on Earth and in space. The result of these interactions is the different weather we experience every day. This program introduces the basics of meteorology to provide a general understanding of Earth’s weather. Topics covered include the structure of the atmosphere, clouds, air masses, weather fronts, and thunderstorms. Additional student activities include worksheets about weather fundamentals, layers of the atmosphere, and fronts and air masses.

Life and Work at the Mount Washington Observatory- Chat with a Scientist

The most interactive and customizable of the distance learning programs, the Life and Work program is designed to be a “Chat with a Scientist”. An interview protocol document will be provided to help teachers and students identify concepts and questions they would like to ask an MWOBS scientist. Embedded in the document are videos and articles that will help introduce MWOBS and the science of meteorology, a student worksheet that will help students organize their thoughts and questions, and a question bank with 100 frequently asked questions for students to reference. During the live connection, the MWOBS scientists’ time will be most spent interacting with students and answering their pre-formulated questions. Additional student activities include, “MWOBS Website Scavenger Hunt,” and, “Exploring the Sciences and Getting to Know Scientists”.

Climate and Climate Change

The true meaning of climate and climate change can often get lost in the buzz surrounding these topics. It is important that younger generations develop a foundational understanding of climate and climate change so that they may be mindful of the various elements and processes that affect Earth’s weather. This program will explore the five components of Earth’s climate system, Earth’s climate through the past 800,000 years, natural and human causes of climate change, and climate change solutions. Additional student activities include a follow-up worksheet and a Greenhouse Effect experiment.

Custom Programs

Can't find the program you're looking for? The experienced staff of the Mount Washington Observatory will custom design a program to fit your unique specifications and curriculum needs, including programs featuring the Observatory's robust climate record.

Contact

Email: MWOBS Education Team
(603) 356-2137, ext. 204