HOME OF THE WORLDS WORST WEATHER HOSTS ARCTIC WEDNESDAYS FOR EDUCATORS
North Conway, NH – January 16, 2017— Mount
Washington Observatory announced the start of a new pilot program for educators
that it will roll out this winter.
Arctic Wednesdays will introduce teachers and ultimately their students
to the Arctic landscape of Mount Washington, often dubbed the “Home of the
World’s Worst Weather.”
“We have
been talking with teachers in the region to identify how we can work more
collaboratively and take a more
active role in supporting their STEM efforts,” said Director of Education Brian
Fitzgerald. “Teachers and their students will have the opportunity to learn about
how weather and climate is measured in one of the most unique weather stations
on the planet.”
On select Wednesdays this winter, two area science teachers, from
different schools and grade levels, will join Observatory staff as they make
their weekly commute up the Mount Washington Auto Road via snowcat. These
teachers will learn about the work of the Observatory, shadow observers, take
their own weather measurements and ultimately videoconference back to their
classroom to share their experience.
The education staff at Mount Washington Observatory will serve as
academic advisors for teachers, helping to bring the extremes of Mount
Washington into their lessons on weather and climate. During each trip,
teachers will utilize a Kestrel 5000 Environmental Meter (donated by Kestrel Weather
Meters) to gather data on 11 different environmental parameters, including
temperature, humidity, wind speed and barometric pressure.
Program cost was kept to a minimume due to
the generosity of supporting partners and donors. Presenting sponsors include a long- time
friend and member of the Observatory and Kestrel Weather Meters with support
from White Mountain Oil and Propane and the Kiwanis Club of Mount Washington
Valley. As a pilot program and due to limited space for this year’s Arctic
Wednesdays, seats have already been allocated to local educators who have been
working with the Observatory’s education department.
For more information and future opportunities to sponsor or
participate, contact Director of Education Brian Fitzgerald at (603)356-2137 x
225 or bfitzgerald@mountwashington.org.
About Mount Washington Observatory
Mount Washington Observatory is a private, nonprofit,
member-supported institution with a mission to advance understanding of the
natural systems that create the Earth's weather and climate. Since 1932, the
Observatory has been monitoring the elements from its weather station on the
summit of Mount Washington, using this unique site for scientific research and
educational outreach. For more information, to become a member or to make a
donation, call (800) 706-0432 or visit MountWashington.org.
About Kestrel Weather & Environmental Meters:
Kestrel Instruments has been researching, developing, and
manufacturing technically advanced environmental instruments for over 15 years.
Kestrel Weather Meters are employed by thousands of users in hundreds of
demanding activities around the world.
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