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John Huth
The weather forecasts we see every day are based on an army of meteorological sensing networks and intensive computer modeling. Before the rise of these technologies, predictions were made by methods like discerning cloud formations and wind directions.
Read more
The weather forecasts we see every day are based on an army of meteorological sensing networks and intensive computer modeling. Before the rise of these technologies, predictions were made by methods like discerning cloud formations and wind directions.
Read more
The weather forecasts we see every day are based on an army of meteorological sensing networks and intensive computer modeling. Before the rise of these technologies, predictions were made by methods like discerning cloud formations and wind directions.
This course will explore the science behind weather systems by teaching the observational skills needed to make a forecast without using instruments or computer models. We'll discuss the physical processes driving weather and the global forces that shape global climate systems. Finally, we will examine the limits of prediction in both human observations and computer models.
Can the flap of a butterfly's wings in Brazil set off a tornado in Texas? Take this course to find out!
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/q9nh1n/backyard
What's inside
Learning objectives
- The role of air, water, and wind in weather systems
- How to estimate local wind speed and direction
- How to avoid being struck by lightning
- How to identify cloud types and features
- How to describe the attributes of thunderstorms and tornadoes
- How to collect and interpret data and observations to predict the next day's weather
- The benefits and drawbacks of weather prediction methods
- The butterfly effect and its application to weather systems
- The role of air, water, and wind in weather systems
- How to estimate local wind speed and direction
- How to avoid being struck by lightning
- How to identify cloud types and features
- How to describe the attributes of thunderstorms and tornadoes
- How to collect and interpret data and observations to predict the next day's weather
- The benefits and drawbacks of weather prediction methods
- The butterfly effect and its application to weather systems
Syllabus
Physical processes in weather systems
Winds, weather masses, clouds, fronts in the temperate zones
Other weather systems
Weather predictions: Linear and non-linear systems
Read more
Syllabus
Physical processes in weather systems
Winds, weather masses, clouds, fronts in the temperate zones
Other weather systems
Weather predictions: Linear and non-linear systems
Read more
Good to know
Good to know
Know what's good ,
what to watch for , and
possible dealbreakers
Skills and knowledge taught in this course are integral to the work done by meteorologists
Explores the science behind weather systems
Thoroughly develops a range of critical thinking skills
Teaches students time-honored observational skills
Content is standard industry knowledge
Save this course
Save Backyard Meteorology: The Science of Weather to your list so you can find it easily later:
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Reviews summary
Amateur weather enthusiast's delight
According to students, Backyard Meteorology: The Science of Weather is a course made for novice weather enthusiasts who want to enrich their understanding of weather basics. However, students note that the course lacks depth and recommend supplementing the materials with additional research.
An excellent choice for learners new to meteorology.
"This course is great for beginners, its not easy and not to hard."
"I've been in love in meteorology since I was born. I learned so much just in the first slide."
"I recommend this course for people who want to know more"
The course does not go into enough detail.
"Major areas glossed over with one or two sentences."
"I was expecting that the underlying processes will be explained in terms of scientific laws which govern gases, and matter in general."
"Parts 2, 3, and 4 makes a big jump and lists out a whole bunch of titles from your 8th grade geography textbook, and then goes on to give a brief overview about each."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Backyard Meteorology: The Science of Weather with these
activities:
Read 'Meteorology Today'
Show steps
Review basic concepts and terms in meteorology, and refresh knowledge in weather systems discussed in the course
View
Meteorology Today: An Introduction to Weather,...
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Get a copy of the book 'Meteorology Today'
-
Read the first four chapters of the book
Learn about cloud formation and identification
Show steps
Supplement course materials by exploring cloud formation and identification, deepening understanding of weather systems
Show steps
-
Find online tutorials or resources on cloud formation
-
Study different cloud types, their characteristics, and how they form
Develop a weather observation log
Show steps
Foster regular observation and data collection, solidifying understanding of weather patterns and local climate
Show steps
-
Create a template for a weather observation log
-
Record daily weather observations, including temperature, precipitation, wind, and cloud cover
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Join a study group for the course
Show steps
Enhance comprehension by discussing course material, sharing insights, and challenging perspectives with peers
Show steps
-
Find or create a study group with other students enrolled in the course
-
Meet regularly to discuss the course material, ask questions, and collaborate on assignments
Create a weather forecast for your local area
Show steps
Demonstrate acquired knowledge in a practical way, reinforcing understanding of the physical processes driving weather
Browse courses on
Forecasting Techniques
Show steps
-
Collect weather data from reliable sources
-
Analyze weather patterns, and consider factors affecting weather
-
Use the data to create a comprehensive weather forecast
Attend a local weather workshop
Show steps
Enhance learning by engaging with experts in the field, gaining practical insights and expanding understanding of weather systems
Show steps
-
Search for local weather workshops or events
-
Attend the workshop and actively participate in discussions
Contribute to open source weather projects
Show steps
Get involved in the development of weather prediction models and tools, expanding knowledge and gaining hands-on experience
Browse courses on
Weather Prediction
Show steps
-
Identify open source weather projects on platforms like GitHub
-
Review the project documentation, and identify areas where you can contribute
-
Write code, create documentation, or report bugs to contribute to the project
Read 'Meteorology Today'
Show steps
Review basic concepts and terms in meteorology, and refresh knowledge in weather systems discussed in the course
View
Meteorology Today: An Introduction to Weather,...
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Get a copy of the book 'Meteorology Today'
- Read the first four chapters of the book
Learn about cloud formation and identification
Show steps
Supplement course materials by exploring cloud formation and identification, deepening understanding of weather systems
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find online tutorials or resources on cloud formation
- Study different cloud types, their characteristics, and how they form
Develop a weather observation log
Show steps
Foster regular observation and data collection, solidifying understanding of weather patterns and local climate
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Create a template for a weather observation log
- Record daily weather observations, including temperature, precipitation, wind, and cloud cover
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Join a study group for the course
Show steps
Enhance comprehension by discussing course material, sharing insights, and challenging perspectives with peers
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find or create a study group with other students enrolled in the course
- Meet regularly to discuss the course material, ask questions, and collaborate on assignments
Create a weather forecast for your local area
Show steps
Demonstrate acquired knowledge in a practical way, reinforcing understanding of the physical processes driving weather
Browse courses on
Forecasting Techniques
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Collect weather data from reliable sources
- Analyze weather patterns, and consider factors affecting weather
- Use the data to create a comprehensive weather forecast
Attend a local weather workshop
Show steps
Enhance learning by engaging with experts in the field, gaining practical insights and expanding understanding of weather systems
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Search for local weather workshops or events
- Attend the workshop and actively participate in discussions
Contribute to open source weather projects
Show steps
Get involved in the development of weather prediction models and tools, expanding knowledge and gaining hands-on experience
Browse courses on
Weather Prediction
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify open source weather projects on platforms like GitHub
- Review the project documentation, and identify areas where you can contribute
- Write code, create documentation, or report bugs to contribute to the project
Career center
Learners who complete Backyard Meteorology: The Science of Weather will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Meteorologist
Meteorologist
Meteorologists study the atmosphere to understand weather patterns and predict future conditions. This course on Backyard Meteorology: The Science of Weather will help you build a foundation in meteorology by teaching you the observational skills needed to make a forecast without using instruments or computer models. You will learn about the role of air, water, and wind in weather systems, how to estimate local wind speed and direction, and how to identify cloud types and features. This knowledge will be useful for meteorologists who want to improve their forecasting skills.
Atmospheric Scientist
Atmospheric Scientist
Atmospheric scientists study the Earth's atmosphere and its interactions with the rest of the Earth system. This course on Backyard Meteorology: The Science of Weather will help you build a foundation in atmospheric science by teaching you about the physical processes driving weather and the global forces that shape global climate systems. You will learn about the role of air, water, and wind in weather systems, how to estimate local wind speed and direction, and how to identify cloud types and features. This knowledge will be useful for atmospheric scientists who want to improve their understanding of the atmosphere.
Climatologist
Climatologist
Climatologists study the Earth's climate and its changes over time. This course on Backyard Meteorology: The Science of Weather will help you build a foundation in climatology by teaching you about the global forces that shape global climate systems. You will learn about the role of air, water, and wind in weather systems, how to estimate local wind speed and direction, and how to identify cloud types and features. This knowledge will be useful for climatologists who want to improve their understanding of the climate.
Environmental Scientist
Environmental Scientist
Environmental scientists study the environment and its interactions with humans. This course on Backyard Meteorology: The Science of Weather will help you build a foundation in environmental science by teaching you about the role of air, water, and wind in weather systems. You will learn how to estimate local wind speed and direction, and how to identify cloud types and features. This knowledge will be useful for environmental scientists who want to improve their understanding of the environment.
Geographer
Geographer
Geographers study the Earth's surface and its human and natural features. This course on Backyard Meteorology: The Science of Weather will help you build a foundation in geography by teaching you about the global forces that shape global climate systems. You will learn about the role of air, water, and wind in weather systems, how to estimate local wind speed and direction, and how to identify cloud types and features. This knowledge will be useful for geographers who want to improve their understanding of the Earth's surface.
Oceanographer
Oceanographer
Oceanographers study the world's oceans and their interactions with the atmosphere and land. This course on Backyard Meteorology: The Science of Weather will help you build a foundation in oceanography by teaching you about the role of air, water, and wind in weather systems. You will learn how to estimate local wind speed and direction, and how to identify cloud types and features. This knowledge will be useful for oceanographers who want to improve their understanding of the oceans.
Hydrologist
Hydrologist
Hydrologists study the Earth's water resources. This course on Backyard Meteorology: The Science of Weather will help you build a foundation in hydrology by teaching you about the role of water in weather systems. You will learn how to estimate local wind speed and direction, and how to identify cloud types and features. This knowledge will be useful for hydrologists who want to improve their understanding of water resources.
Glaciologist
Glaciologist
Glaciologists study glaciers and ice caps. This course on Backyard Meteorology: The Science of Weather will help you build a foundation in glaciology by teaching you about the role of air, water, and wind in weather systems. You will learn how to estimate local wind speed and direction, and how to identify cloud types and features. This knowledge will be useful for glaciologists who want to improve their understanding of glaciers and ice caps.
Science Teacher
Science Teacher
Science teachers teach science to students at all levels. This course on Backyard Meteorology: The Science of Weather will help you build a foundation in science education by teaching you about the physical processes driving weather and the global forces that shape global climate systems. You will learn how to estimate local wind speed and direction, and how to identify cloud types and features. This knowledge will be useful for science teachers who want to improve their teaching of weather and climate.
Science Writer
Science Writer
Science writers communicate scientific information to the public. This course on Backyard Meteorology: The Science of Weather will help you build a foundation in science writing by teaching you about the physical processes driving weather and the global forces that shape global climate systems. You will learn how to estimate local wind speed and direction, and how to identify cloud types and features. This knowledge will be useful for science writers who want to improve their writing about weather and climate.
Weather Broadcaster
Weather Broadcaster
Weather broadcasters communicate weather information to the public. This course on Backyard Meteorology: The Science of Weather will help you build a foundation in weather broadcasting by teaching you about the physical processes driving weather and the global forces that shape global climate systems. You will learn how to estimate local wind speed and direction, and how to identify cloud types and features. This knowledge will be useful for weather broadcasters who want to improve their broadcasting of weather information.
Sustainability Manager
Sustainability Manager
Sustainability managers develop and implement sustainability programs for businesses and organizations. This course on Backyard Meteorology: The Science of Weather may be useful for sustainability managers who want to develop or implement programs related to weather and climate. The course will teach you about the physical processes driving weather and the global forces that shape global climate systems. You will also learn how to estimate local wind speed and direction, and how to identify cloud types and features.
Policy Analyst
Policy Analyst
Policy analysts develop and evaluate policies for government agencies and non-profit organizations. This course on Backyard Meteorology: The Science of Weather may be useful for policy analysts who want to develop or evaluate policies related to weather and climate. The course will teach you about the physical processes driving weather and the global forces that shape global climate systems. You will also learn how to estimate local wind speed and direction, and how to identify cloud types and features.
Risk Manager
Risk Manager
Risk managers identify and assess risks for businesses and organizations. This course on Backyard Meteorology: The Science of Weather may be useful for risk managers who want to assess risks related to weather and climate. The course will teach you about the physical processes driving weather and the global forces that shape global climate systems. You will also learn how to estimate local wind speed and direction, and how to identify cloud types and features.
Environmental Consultant
Environmental Consultant
Environmental consultants help businesses and organizations comply with environmental regulations. This course on Backyard Meteorology: The Science of Weather will help you build a foundation in environmental consulting by teaching you about the role of air, water, and wind in weather systems. You will learn how to estimate local wind speed and direction, and how to identify cloud types and features. This knowledge will be useful for environmental consultants who want to improve their understanding of environmental regulations.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/q9nh1n/backyard
Reading list
We've selected 13 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Backyard Meteorology: The Science of Weather.
Provides a practical guide to weather forecasting and is useful for those who want to learn how to make their own weather forecasts.
Save
An introductory textbook that covers a wide range of topics in meteorology, including weather forecasting, climate change, and the impact of weather on the environment.
A textbook that is written in a clear and concise style and is suitable for students with little or no background in meteorology.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of climatology, covering topics from the basics of climate to more advanced topics like climate change.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of meteorology, with a focus on the impact of weather and climate on the environment.
Save
This textbook covers the basic principles of meteorology and is useful for students with no prior background in the subject. However, it may be too basic for those who already have some knowledge of meteorology.
Save
Provides an in-depth look at the science of hurricanes and the political and social factors that influence how we prepare for and respond to these storms.
This handbook provides a practical guide to weather forecasting, covering topics from basic weather observation to more advanced forecasting techniques.
Provides a concise overview of the global climate system, covering topics from the basics of climate to more advanced topics like climate change.
Save
Provides a historical overview of storms, covering topics from the early days of weather forecasting to the present day.
Explores the concept of the butterfly effect, which is the idea that small changes in a complex system can have large and unpredictable consequences.
Provides a comprehensive overview of weather, covering topics from the basics of weather to more advanced topics like weather forecasting.
Save
Provides a visually appealing overview of weather, with a focus on the different types of weather patterns and how they form.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/q9nh1n/backyard
Share
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Effort
3 to 5 hours per week for 6 weeks
Level
Introductory
Via
edX
Institution
Harvard University
Instructor
John Huth
Language
English
Transcript
English
Good to know
Skills and knowledge taught in this course are integral to the work done by meteorologists
Explores the science behind weather systems
Thoroughly develops a range of critical thinking skills
Teaches students time-honored observational skills
Content is standard industry knowledge
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