Seasons and Cycles: How Weather Affects Us and How We Affect the Weather

How does science explain Earth’s cycles such as weather, climate, and seasons? Elementary and middle school educators explored the dynamics of weather systems and seasonal cycles through inquiry-based investigations, citizen science monitoring, virtual live presentations, and more. They investigated phenomena and forces affecting the earth, observed their local weather, and learned how to make meteorological predictions. 

Teachers virtually toured Blue Hill Observatory & Science Center to find out about the weather data collection process and how scientists use data sets to publicly share weather updates or develop models to study changes in climate over time. They even conducted their own balloon releases and designed kites for weather observation. 

During hands-on, minds-on investigations with the EcoTarium, educators explored heat capacity, air pressure, and other physical science topics that explain how weather occurs. They contributed to real world research through The GLOBE Program (Mission Earth) citizen science monitoring tools and refined their understanding of the complexities of Earth’s weather systems as well as its carbon and water cycles. 

Through this course, educators used data collection and visualization techniques to differentiate between short-term weather patterns and long-term climate change. They walked away equipped with a toolkit of inquiry-based and phenomena-based investigations, digital resources, and new STEM content to more effectively engage their students in earth and space science.