PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOPS
Please note, because districts vary so much in size and composition, pricing is not provided here but will gladly be provided available upon request.
WORKSHOP 1. HOW I FELL IN LOVE WITH REAL-TIME WEATHER WEB SITES (and YOU WILL TOO!:)
MAP of ISOBARS and RADAR, NORTHEAST U.S., MARCH 15, 2025.
Source: NOAA/National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center “Mesoscale Analyses” web page, accessed on March 15, 2024 at:
https://www.spc.noaa.gov/exper/mesoanalysis/new/viewsector.php?sector=16
As the wind howls in central Michigan on March 15, 2025 the concentric ring pattern on map above shows part of the large low pressure system that caused very severe storms in part of the U.S. over the past 24 hours. In addition the very close spacing of these lines, called “isobars” (i.e., lines connecting points of equal atmospheric pressure), are associated with the windy conditions we are currently experiencing.
This is just one example of a form of data visualization available online based on real-time data continuously collected by NOAA’s National Weather Service from over 100 weather stations around the U.S. (both horizontally and vertically)!
In this illuminating workshop Dr. Lilienfeld will introduce participants to over six real-time weather web sites she has used for almost 10 years. In addition, however, to having value for teachers teaching the new academic science standards in weather (and climate) in 3rd grade and middle school grades since weather also encompasses many aspects of the water cycle and physical science as well the information in this workshop is considered highly relevant for all grades.
Some of the real-time data sources include the American Meteorological Society, the University of Wyoming’s “Wyoming Weather Web”, NOAA’s NWS Storm Prediction Center, and several others.
There are a few different options through which this workshop is being offered:
A “TEACHERS ONLY” workshop or…..
IN A CLASSROOM (Or in an auditorium with several classes) that would include BOTH TEACHERS and STUDENTS
DURATION: 2 HOURS, WORTH 2 CEUs.
(Note: The original form—or select aspects of-- this workshop were given as presentations at annual conferences of both the Minnesota Science Teachers Association (2019) and the Michigan Science Teachers’ Association (2023)).
WORKSHOP II. WILL IT GET TOO WARM in the CAR for LUCKY? A Deep Dive into Temperature and Solar Energy
PHOTO of LUCKY
Copyright © Amy Lilienfeld 2021
Building upon a simple and commonplace phenomenon, i.e., the increasing temperature inside of a car as spring progresses, this intriguing workshop builds in complexity to track the fascinating cascade of events associated with the annual revolution of the Earth around the Sun. These include changes in “sun angle”, i.e., the height of the sun in the sky at noon, which is related to the Figure 8 diagram on globe shown below. DO YOU KNOW WHAT THE NAME OF IT IS AND WHY IT IS IMPORTANT?
Photo by Amy Lilienfeld 2018
This diagram, an ANALEMMA, shows the latitude at which the sun is DIRECTLY overhead at noon on any day of the year. It is probably one of the most important diagrams in Earth Science because this migration triggers a complex cascade of events that help explain several aspects of daily weather as well as world climates, including patterns of temperature, cloudiness and precipitation.
This workshop will be an excellent refresher as well as chock full of new information. It will also include handouts of several hands-on activities for students involving data. Highly relevant for those teaching weather and climate in 3rd grades through middle school —as well as any materials related to the water cycle, including phase changes of water.
DURATION 2.5 HOURS, WORTH 2.5 CENs.
There are a few different options through which this workshop is being offered:
A “TEACHERS ONLY” WORKSHOP or…..
AN ONLINE MINI-COURSE with SUPPLEMENTAL ZOOM MEETINGS.