NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration

People have been fascinated with weather since the beginning of time. What causes it? Where does weather take place? Weather plays an important role in all space exploration missions, present and future, and NASA researchers study weather systems on Earth, the Sun and other planets in our solar system. Join NASA TV during the week of May 16-22, 2005, as NASA showcases some of its award-winning videos that highlight "Worlds of Weather."

NASA TV Education Schedule
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This 'Extra' feature highlights educational products, activities, multimedia and Web sites related to this month's theme "Worlds of Weather"

Image to right: During an El Niño the physical relationships between wind, ocean currents, temperature and biosphere break down into destructive patterns. Credit NASA

NASA Educational Products




The Air We Breathe Picture Book (Grades K-4)
This colorful picture book is about Earth's atmosphere and its importance to life on Earth.
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Space Based Astronomy Educator Guide (Grades 5-8)
This guide tells the story of why it is important to observe celestial objects from outer space and how to study the entire electromagnetic spectrum.
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Earth Lithograph (All Grades)
The images of Earth on this lithograph include a shot of the Pacific Ocean with the Americas, a snapshot of Earth's biosphere, a temperature map, a false-color radar image of central Africa, and an ozone hole over the South Pole.
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Investigating the Climate System Series:

Clouds (Grades 5-8)
Study cloud formation and their characteristics.
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Energy (Grades 9-12)
Explore Earth temperatures and what affects them.
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Precipitation (Grades 5-8)
Explore the study of rainfall.
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Weather (Grades 5-8)
Use this activity at the end of a unit on weather.
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Winds (Grades 5-8)
Study the ocean winds.
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NASA Educational Multimedia Materials

The Central Operation of Resources for Educators (CORE) is the worldwide distribution center for NASA-produced multimedia materials. Education Modules for themes are bundled by topic and may include CD-ROMs, videotapes, educator guides, posters, lithographs, books, lesson plans, bookmarks, fact sheets, slide sets and activity kits.

Image to right: NASA develops multimedia resources for educators.

Module Spotlight:
Space Science/Sun (Grades 5-8 and 9-12)
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Earth Science (Grades 5-8)
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Search words for CORE Materials: weather

CORE
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Follow the Theme - Activities, Adventures and Web Sites of Interest

Whip Up Some El Niño Pudding Learn why this condition affects the weather and then whip up a batch of fun for the class. Great for students in grades 5-8. + View site

Exploring the Environment Modules These modules for grades 5-12 are about things that affect Earth's environment such as weather, fire and humans. + View site

Adventure of Droplet Game Join Droplet, the water molecule, as he enters the water cycle and starts his journey home. Your task is to get him safely out to sea so that the sun can warm him once again and help him get back to the clouds. + View site

Drop and Drag Puzzle Drag the pieces one by one to make the picture look like the image of Typhoon Opal. + View site

Images for the Classroom: Earth's Weather Look at hurricanes, typhoons, blizzards, floods, thunderstorms, lightning, tornadoes and clouds. + View site

Sun-Earth Viewer Zoom and pan live NASA solar and Earth images, watch video interviews with scientists or view detailed scientific animations and visualizations. + View site + Download viewer

Build an Animation of Day-Land Temperatures Choose a start date and an ending date and watch as the temperature changes around the globe. + View site

GOES Interactive Weather Satellite Imagery Check the current weather conditions. This site provides real-time weather satellite pictures of Earth. + View site

Tracking a Solar Storm
Predict solar storms! Monitor Space Weather and predict when solar events may threaten spacecraft and power grids and produce intense aurora!
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Earth's Atmosphere From Sage III
Teachers will appreciate this easy-to-understand information about Earth's atmosphere: layers of the atmosphere, ozone, radiation budget, global warming, volcanoes, El Niño, a glossary and a time conversion page.
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The Case of the Phenomenal Weather
Students learn about hurricanes and tornadoes, weather fronts, global wind patterns, and climates in this NASA SCIence Files™ educational videotape for grades 3-5.
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The Case of the Wacky Water Cycle
Join the Tree House Detectives as they learn about the water cycle, the water table and global climates in this NASA SCI Files™ educational videotape for grades 3-5.
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The Case of the Mysterious Red Light
Have you ever seen an unusually bright red sunrise or sunset and wondered why the color is so intense? That's exactly what happens as the tree house detectives try to find the source of the red light in this NASA SCI Files™ educational videotape for grades 3-5.
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Having a Solar Blast
NASA engineers and researchers use data analysis and measurement to predict solar storms, anticipate how they will affect the Earth, and improve our understanding of the Sun-Earth system. Use this educational video and resources for grades 6-8.
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Plane Weather
The elements of weather: rain, wind, fog, ice and snow affect the operation and flight of an airplane. This educational video is designed for grades 6-8.
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Videos showcased in the May 2005 Education File Schedule to support "Worlds of Weather" are: The Case of the Phenomenal Weather, A Lightning Field Trip, The "A" Train Express, The Case of the Wacky Water Cycle, Destination Tomorrow Programs 2, 7 and 10, Earth Crew Webcast Program 2, Having a Solar Blast, Weather Satellites, Introduction to High Altitude Ballooning, Plane Weather, Virtual Earth, Atmospheric Detectives, Explorer Generation Music Video, Live From the Storm: Program 1: The Who, What, Where, When and Why of Weather, and Live From the Storm: Program 2: Research to the Rescue.
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Additional Resources

Space Weather
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NASA GISS Institute on Climate and Planets
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Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE)
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Space Weather Center Web Site
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Weather Forecasting Through the Ages
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Sun-Earth Connection Education Forum
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Check This List for Weather-Related Missions
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Meteorology
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Next Month's Theme: What's Up With Gravity?

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