ERIC Number: EJ1164398
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2011-Aug
Pages: 8
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1089-9995
EISSN: N/A
Severe Weather Field Experience: An Undergraduate Field Course on Career Enhancement and Severe Convective Storms
Godfrey, Christopher M.; Barrett, Bradford S.; Godfrey, Elaine S.
Journal of Geoscience Education, v59 n3 p111-118 Aug 2011
Undergraduate students acquire a deeper understanding of scientific principles through first-hand experience. To enhance the learning environment for atmospheric science majors, the University of North Carolina at Asheville has developed the severe weather field experience. Participants travel to Tornado Alley in the Great Plains to forecast and observe convective storms for two weeks. The objectives of the course encompass far more than observing severe storms. On days with nonthreatening weather in the Great Plains, students participate in an array of activities that provide exposure to facilities and interaction with professionals in various sectors of meteorology. While the allure of chasing storms initially prompts the students to enroll in the course, the focused career-development aspect of the curriculum increases awareness for the varied career options in the atmospheric sciences and helps students discover where their own capabilities and interests might best suit the discipline. The course thus offers students a comprehensive career-development experience woven within a thrilling adventure.
Descriptors: Field Experience Programs, Severity (of Disability), Weather, Undergraduate Students, Scientific Principles, Meteorology, Course Content, Course Organization, Student Journals, Curriculum Implementation, Student Satisfaction
National Association of Geoscience Teachers. Carleton College W-SERC, One North College Street, Northfield, MN 55057. Tel: 540-568-6675; Fax: 540-568-8058; e-mail: jge@jmu.edu; Website: http://nagt-jge.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: North Carolina
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A