Project Atmosphere

Project Atmosphere. It is a national educational initiative of the American Meteorological Society (AMS) designed to enhance the teaching of atmospheric science in K–12 education. Launched in the early 1990s, the project provides curriculum resources, professional development for educators, and fosters a deeper public understanding of meteorology and oceanography. Its programs are instrumental in training teachers and developing instructional materials that align with national science education standards.

Overview

The primary mission is to integrate authentic atmospheric and oceanic sciences into pre-college classrooms across the United States. It operates under the auspices of the American Meteorological Society's Education Program, collaborating with entities like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the National Science Foundation (NSF). The initiative targets educators, providing them with the content knowledge and pedagogical tools to effectively teach topics such as weather, climate, and Earth system science. Its structure includes the development of DataStreme courses and the maintenance of the Maury Project.

History and development

Project Atmosphere was formally established by the American Meteorological Society in 1990, with significant early funding and support from the National Science Foundation. Its creation was a response to identified gaps in Earth science education and a need to modernize science curricula following national reports like *A Nation at Risk*. A pivotal early component was the DataStreme project, initiated in 1996 to leverage emerging internet technologies for real-time weather data delivery to classrooms. The parallel Maury Project, focusing on physical oceanography, was launched in 1994 with support from the United States Navy and NOAA. These efforts were expanded through partnerships with institutions like the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research and numerous local National Weather Service forecast offices.

Scientific objectives and methods

The project's core scientific objective is to translate current research and operational practices in the atmospheric sciences into accessible classroom experiences. Methodologically, it emphasizes inquiry-based learning using real-world data. The DataStreme courses train teachers to analyze current surface weather maps, upper-air charts, and satellite imagery from sources like the GOES satellites and Radiosonde networks. The Maury Project employs similar hands-on techniques to explore ocean currents, El Niño, and thermohaline circulation. These methods often involve collaboration with scientists at NASA, the National Centers for Environmental Prediction, and research universities.

Key findings and impact

An enduring impact has been the documented increase in atmospheric science literacy among participating teachers and their students. Evaluations have shown that educators who complete DataStreme courses significantly improve their content knowledge and confidence, directly influencing thousands of students annually. The project has also contributed to broader educational findings, demonstrating the efficacy of using real-time data and professional development models that combine summer institutes with distance learning. Its resources have been widely adopted, influencing state-level science standards and serving as a model for other discipline-specific educational projects.

Educational components and outreach

The primary educational arm is the DataStreme Atmosphere course, a graduate-level professional development program delivered through a nationwide network of Local Implementation Teams. This is complemented by the Maury Project for ocean studies and the more recent DataStreme Earth's Climate System course. Outreach extends through the AMS Education Program, which includes opportunities like the AMS Project Atmosphere Summer Workshop and the AMS Teacher Professional Development workshops. These initiatives distribute materials such as the *Project Atmosphere Teacher's Guide* and engage with partners like the National Earth Science Teachers Association and the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics to promote interdisciplinary STEM education.