SUMMARY

An on-line thunderstorm simulator allows students to view how large convective clouds form.

GOALS

To learn how thunderstorms are formed.

CONTEXT FOR USE

The format suggested for this lesson is a lab.

ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION AND TEACHING MATERIALS

Thunderstorm Simulator: http://www.psc.edu/research/graphics/gallery/mxue.php
 

TEACHING NOTES

Instructors/TAs may find it useful to refer to lecture notes from the following lecture: • Lapse Rate, Moisture, and Clouds

http://eesc.columbia.edu/courses/ees/climate/syllabus.html

ASSESSMENT

Students summarize their findings in a lab report.

REFERENCES AND RESOURCES

Thunderstorm Simulator for hands-on portion of the lab:

http://www.psc.edu/research/graphics/gallery/mxue.php

SHORT DESCRIPTION

Air and water shift and change our climate. In this lab, students learn about the major movement of air and water movement that create weather. Through discussions and hands-on activities, students will walk away with a greater understanding of how and why the Earth’s climate system operates.