During the term one observational project should be performed and a project report submitted OR you may prefer to do a TV style weather forecast for the class.  If you choose the observational project, it may be of your own design or it may be taken from a list of projects which has been prepared by your instructor.  Individual and group projects are allowed with the expectation that the total amount of work performed in a group project be commensurate with the number of persons in the group.  Group projects require prior approval from your instructor.

    It is expected that project reports will conform to the standards of good composition.  Write your report so that it could be understood by a person who does not know what you have done.  All data tables and charts require explanation.  Click here for the scoring criteria used on observing projects.

   Most of the suggested projects require a series of observations extending over much of the semester. To complete such a project satisfactorily you must begin early in the semester. Procrastinators greatly limit their options.

    Project reports must be submitted on or before 2:00 pm on Wednesday, December 3, in order to earn full credit. Thereafter late projects will be penalized 20% of earned credit through 2:00 pm on the final day of class (Wednesday, December 10). Observational project reports will not be accepted after the final class period. Ten per cent of your grade will be based on your observational project results and report.

     If you choose to do the forecast, you must make that decision within the first week of the semester.  Then, depending upon how many of you elect to do a forecast, I will select dates at random during the latter part of the semester and by random means assign you to do a forecast for a particular date.  Since weather conditions change rapidly and unexpectedly, you will not be able to prepare very long in advance except in a general way.  The details will have to be prepared at the last minute as they are for TV weather personnel.  You will be graded according to how well you understand the concepts in your presentation (expect some questions from both your instructor and other class members).  Your forecast should include temperatures, wind conditions, sky conditions, precipitation, frontal passages, etc. for the next three days.  You should be able to explain why you issue the forecast you do.  Please illustrate your forecast with graphics available on the internet such as current satellite and radar images and whatever charts and maps you choose to use.  You will not be graded on the accuracy of your forecast unless it is clearly inconsistent with the current conditions.  I will circulate in class, one week after the semester begins, a signup sheet on which you may commit to do a forecast.  I will often begin class with a quick forecast, so you may observe some of the internet resources available for your use. 

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