Weather


Weather
BSA Supply No. 35964

Meteorology is the study of Earth's atmosphere and its weather and the ways in which temperature, wind, and moisture act together in the environment. In addition to learning how everyday weather is predicted, Scouts can learn about extreme weather such as thunderstorms, tornadoes, and hurricanes, and how to stay safe.

Requirements

  1. Define meteorology. Explain what weather is and what climate is. Discuss how the weather affects farmers, sailors, aviators, and the outdoor construction industry. Tell why weather forecasts are important to each of these groups.
  2. Name five dangerous weather-related conditions. Give the safety rules for each when outdoors and explain the difference between a severe weather watch and a warning. Discuss the safety rules with your family.
  3. Explain the difference between high and low pressure systems in the atmosphere. Tell which is related to good and to poor weather. Draw cross sections of a cold front and a warm front, showing the location and movements of the cold and warm air, the frontal slope, the location and types of clouds associated with each type of front, and the location of precipitation.
  4. Tell what causes wind, why it rains, and how lightning and hail are formed.
  5. Identify and describe clouds in the low, middle, and upper levels of the atmosphere. Relate these to specific types of weather.
  6. Draw a diagram of the water cycle and label its major processes. Explain the water cycle to your counselor.
  7. Define acid rain. Identify which human activities pollute the atmosphere and the effects such pollution can have on people.
  8. Do ONE of the following:
    1. Make one of the following instruments: wind vane, anemometer, rain gauge, hygrometer. Keep a daily weather log for one week using information from this instrument as well as from other sources such as local radio and television stations, NOAA Weather Radio, and Internet sources (with your parent's permission). Record the following information at the same time every day: wind direction and speed, temperature, precipitation, and types of clouds. Be sure to make a note of any morning dew or frost. In the log, also list the weather forecasts from radio or television at the same time each day and show how the weather really turned out.
    2. Visit a National Weather Service office or talk with a local radio or television weathercaster, private meteorologist, local agricultural extension service officer, or university meteorology instructor. Find out what type of weather is most dangerous or damaging to your community. Determine how severe weather and flood warnings reach the homes in your community.
  9. Do ONE of the following:
    1. Give a talk of at least five minutes to a group (such as your unit or a Cub Scout pack) explaining the outdoor safety rules in the event of lightning, flash floods, and tornadoes. Before your talk, share your outline with your counselor for approval.
    2. Read several articles about acid rain and give a prepared talk of at least five minutes to a group (such as your unit or a Cub Scout pack) about the articles. Before your talk, share your outline with your counselor for approval.
  10. Find out about a weather-related career opportunity that interests you. Discuss with and explain to your counselor what training and education are required for such a position, and the responsibilities required of such a position.

Resources

Scouting Literature

Fieldbook; Chemistry, Emergency Preparedness, Environmental Science, and Oceanography merit badge pamphlets

Books

  • Burt, Christopher C. Extreme Weather: A Guide and Record Book. W. W. Norton, 2004.
  • Ceban, Bonnie J. Tornadoes: Disaster and Survival. Enslow Publishers, 2005.
  • Chaston, Peter R. Weather Maps: How to Read and Interpret All the Basic Weather Charts. Chaston Scientific Inc., 2002.
  • Cosgrove, Brian. Weather. DK Publishing, 2004.
  • Day, John. A., and Vincent J. Schaefer. Clouds and Weather: The Concise Field Guide to the Atmosphere. Houghton Mifflin, 1998.
  • Gardner, Robert, et al. Science Projects About Weather. Enslow Publishers, 1994.
  • Elsom, Derek M. Weather Explained: A Beginner's Guide to the Elements, Vol. 5. Henry Holt & Company, 1997.
  • Hodgson, Michael. Basic Essentials: Weather Forecasting. Globe Pequot, 1999.
  • Kahl, Jonathan D. W. National Audubon Society First Field Guide: Weather. Scholastic, 1998.
  • Moran, Joseph M., et al. Meteorology: The Atmosphere and Science of Weather. Prentice Hall, 1996.
  • Petheram, Louise. Acid Rain. Bridgestone Books, 2002.

Magazines

  • Weatherwise: The Magazine About Weather 1319 18th St., NW Washington, DC 20036-1802 Web site: http://www.weather-wise.org

Organizations and Web Sites

Career Guide for the Atmospheric Sciences
Web site: http://www.ametsoc.org /atmoscareers/index.html

Earth Watch Weather on Demand
Web site: http://earthwatch.com

Lightning Protection Institute
P.O. Box 6336
St. Joseph, MO 64506
Toll-free telephone: 800-488-6864
Web site: http://www.lightning.org

Satellite Meteorology for Grades 7-12
Web site: http://cimss.ssec.wisc.edu/satmet

The National Center for Atmospheric Research and the UCAR Office of Programs
P.O. Box 3000
Boulder, CO 80307-3000
Web site: http://www.ucar.edu

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Weather Service
1325 East West Highway
Silver Spring, MD 20910
Web site: http://nws.noaa.gov