Weather Whys; Weather School

This is weather wise. For reasons we don't understand, fewer students these days are choosing careers in science and mathematics. The result is a sort of brain drain in the American scientific community. As elder scientists retire, there is an ever-increasing need for young scientists to take their places and to continue with their work. But that natural resource is becoming scarce. As a result, many educators are trying to get more students interested in math and science. They say that's best accomplished at a young age, while natural curiosity is at an all-time high, and before many students learn to fear or dislike science and math. The Yaros Communications Company of St. Louis, Missouri has come up with an innovative concept to help in that endeavor. It's developed a package of instructional materials called Weather School, which is designed to help students explore concepts in meteorology. The packet consists of a detailed teacher's guide, a cloud chart suitable for display,

and software that students can use to reinforce basic concepts. One unique facet of the program is that it's designed to be purchased by and distributed through local television stations. For instance, one Oklahoma City Station provides the packages free of charge to local schools. On every evening during the news, the station meteorologist discusses some concept and meteorology that corresponds to the day's Weather School lesson. The packets also aid in the learning of math, geography, art, and speech through the various worksheets and suggested projects they provide. The hope is that programs like Weather School will help inspire young people to continue their studies in math and science. Otherwise is produced with the assistance of the National Weather Service Forecast Office in the National Severe Storms Laboratory, both in Norman, Oklahoma, and is made possible through a grant from the National Science Foundation. For weather-wise, I'm Drew Barlow.