Is it sleet or is it snow?

An introduction to the temperature profile of the atmosphere

For: Upper elementary and middle school
Length: Approximately 2 hours
Credit: 2 CEUs
Price: $250-$350 depending on group size
Standards: Weather standards, upper elementary through middle school

Lucky the dog with pellets of winter precipitation on his head — Lucky, winter 2023. Photo copyright Amy Lilienfeld.

Different types of precipitation offer grand opportunities for observation and description. Even in winter there are a surprising number of different forms. For example, what type of precipitation do you think is on Lucky’s head, and how did you come to that conclusion?

Precipitation as evidence

Different types of precipitation also tell us about the state of the atmosphere at one point in time. Participants are introduced to a data visualization tool called a Stüve diagram and learn how changes in the temperature profile of the atmosphere are responsible for different types of winter precipitation.

Format

This workshop takes approximately two hours and is worth 2 CEUs. Hands-on activities are provided.

What participants take away

The different forms of winter precipitation and how to observe and describe them
How to read a Stüve diagram, a data visualization tool for the atmosphere's temperature profile
How changes in the temperature profile produce snow, sleet, freezing rain or rain
Observation and description activities students can do on any winter day
Hands-on activities and 2 CEUs

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Bring “Is it sleet or is it snow?” to your district

Workshops run two to three hours at a location you choose, and cost %!s(<nil>). Continuing education credits are awarded.

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