The Science center for Teaching, Outreach, and Research on Meteorology (the STORM Project) at the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) will be sponsoring a summer 2004 short course entitled "Studies in Weather Analysis and Forecasting for Science Educators." This intensive, one-week course is designed specifically for middle school and high school teachers. The course will be offered this summer, on July 18 - 23 (Sunday through Friday). The session is limited to 24 participants.

During the course, participants will learn about conceptual models and computer-based tools used to forecast middle latitude weather systems, including severe weather. One tool that we will use (FX-Net) emulates the software used by the National Weather Service. FX-Net provides access to surface and upper air observations, satellite and radar imagery, and numerical weather prediction model products. Participants will apply course concepts to real-time weather systems through daily forecasting activities. Participants will also develop weather activities that are transferable to their home classrooms. Curriculum materials prepared by STORM will also be provided.

This will be an intensive course. We will begin on Sunday afternoon and end by about 4 p.m. on Friday. There will likely be several evening sessions. Everyone will be expected to participate in all sessions.

All middle through high school science teachers are eligible to apply. Completion of a college-level, introductory weather course or equivalent (e.g., the American Meteorological Society's DataStreme course) would be helpful, but all applicants will be considered. On-campus housing, meals, course materials, and 2 graduate credits from UNI will be provided by STORM. The cost of the tuition alone for an Iowa resident would otherwise be $560. Participants are only responsible for course application ($25) and graduate admission fees ($30, plus transcript costs if Bachelor's degree is not from UNI), and their travel to Cedar Falls.

Applications will be accepted until session is filled, but those received by March 5, 2004 will be given first consideration. Letters of acceptance will be sent beginning on about March 8. Application fees will be returned to those not selected for participation in the course. Upon acceptance, we will work individually with participants to ensure graduate admission to UNI.

Questions and requests for additional information can be directed to:

Alan Czarnetzki, Associate Professor of Meteorology and STORM Project Director - Alan.Czarnetzki@uni.edu