Distance Learning

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

Mount Washington Observatory has been offering traveling educational programs since 1999. In 2009, we launched distance learning, enabling us to bring the science and excitement of Mount Washington anywhere in the world via live, interactive video conferencing technology.

OUR 'CLASSROOM'

The tallest point in the northeastern United States and strategically located at the convergence of three major storm tracks, the summit of Mount Washington is battered year-round by some of the most extreme conditions on the planet. Nowhere else on Earth is readily found such a consistent combination of sub-zero temperatures, hurricane-force winds, freezing fog and driving snow.

Through interactive video conferencing, your class will go live to the summit of Mount Washington and learn about climate and weather from the people who know it best: the hardy men and women living and working in the Observatory's legendary summit weather station. They'll share their first-hand knowledge and experience in an exciting, interactive format. Close that textbook and enter the alpine zone!

PROGRAMS

Designed to fit the New Hampshire Frameworks and National Education Standards for grades 4-12, each program runs approximately one hour, and is adapted to fit your class schedule.

Extreme Weather Observations

What exactly is a meteorologist and how do they make a forecast? Forget the suits and ties – enter the exciting world of our mountaintop crew! Find out who these intrepid scientists are, how they collect data, what kind of data they collect, and how they translate the data into information we can use.

Fundamentals of Climate

We've all heard about climate in the media, but do we really understand what it is? Learn first-hand from our experienced staff living on the summit of Mount Washington, a place so unique that although it is located in the temperate zone, it actually experiences the conditions of a sub-arctic climate.

Life and Work at the Mount Washington Observatory

Every hour, Mount Washington Observatory's meteorologists venture into the elements to measure and record weather data – even when temperatures drop well below zero and winds exceed 100 mph! Find out what it takes to get the job done from the men and women who live the adventure. Your students will never think of scientists the same way again!

The Alpine Zone

Journey to a strange and distant land, where temperatures fall well below freezing, winds whip at hurricane force and even trees cannot survive. Learn about the specialized technology our scientists use to study this unique environment, and discover what forms of life call this place home.

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.

TECHNOLOGY

Our specialized equipment facilitates real-time interactions through high-definition picture and sound. You will need a Polycom, Tandberg, LifeSize, or similar video conferencing equipment that supports H.323 video compression standards. You will also need Internet, Internet2, or ISDN (dial in only) with a minimum 384k connection speed.

FEES

Much less than the cost of a field trip, a single program is $195 for up to 30 students. A second consecutive program is $155, and each additional program is $125. Multiple-day programs and assembly programs are also available, with special package pricing. Please contact us for a quote.

Each program includes a resource packet with information about Mount Washington, the Observatory and your program, as well as a fun classroom activity to introduce the topic and terminology to your students.

We respectfully request that programs be booked at least two weeks in advance. This will give you and your students the chance to engage in the activity included in the program packet, and allow us to schedule a test connection.

Support for Mount Washington Observatory Outreach Education is provided in part by: