The Northern Illinois University Chapter of the American Meteorological Society is a student run organization open to all persons. The emphasis of the Chapter is to promote the atmospheric sciences among its members and the area. We sponsor many activities such as trips, speakers, and many other exciting events. Founded in 1971.

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Thursday, December 8, 2011

Speaking opportunity


Hey Everyone,

I know everybody's semester is winding down, and Winter Break is almost here; but I am searching for someone that may be able to help out a local Boy Scout Chapter with their merit badge meeting.  Gilbert posted a little about it on Facebook, and I took the liberty of contacting Mr. Ray Gruber to see what they needed from a speaker.  Most topics are Geog 105/106 level, well within the realm for most students in the Meteorology Department.  It falls on the last Saturday of Winter Break ( 14 Jan, 2012), and there are two time slots available (8am-12noon, or 12:30-4:30pm).  I would personally volunteer, but I will be on vacation till that Sunday.  I really encourage students to partake in public speaking events like this; it helps tremendously in building confidence for public speaking, and this is a relatively straight-forward topic.Here are a few more details:
  1. Define meteorology. Explain what weather is and what climate is. Discuss how the weather affects farmers, sailors, aviators, and the outdoor construction industry. Tell why weather forecasts are important to each of these groups.
  2. Name five dangerous weather-related conditions. Give the safety rules for each when outdoors and explain the difference between a severe weather watch and a warning. Discuss the safety rules with your family.
  3. Explain the difference between high and low pressure systems in the atmo­sphere. Tell which is related to good and to poor weather. Draw cross sections of a cold front and a warm front, showing the location and movements of the cold and warm air, the frontal slope, the location and types of clouds associated with each type of front, and the location of precipitation.
  4. Tell what causes wind, why it rains, and how lightning and hail are formed.
  5. Identify and describe clouds in the low, middle, and upper levels of the atmosphere. Relate these to specific types of weather.
  6. Draw a diagram of the water cycle and label its major processes. Explain the water cycle to your counselor.
  7. Define acid rain. Identify which human activities pollute the atmosphere and the effects such pollution can have on people.
  8. Do ONE of the following:
    a. Make one of the following instruments: wind vane, anemometer, rain gauge, hygrometer. Keep a daily weather log for one week using information from this instrument as well as from other sources such as local radio and television stations, NOAA Weather Radio, and Internet sources (with your parent's permission). Record the following information at the same time every day: wind direction and speed, temperature, precipitation, and types of clouds. Be sure to make a note of any morning dew or frost. In the log, also list the weather forecasts from radio or television at the same time each day and show how the weather really turned out.
    b. Visit a National Weather Service office or talk with a local radio or television weathercaster, private meteorologist, local agricultural extension service officer, or university meteorology instructor. Find out what type of weather is most dangerous or damaging to your community. Determine how severe weather and flood warnings reach the homes in your community.
  9. Do ONE of the following:
    a. Give a talk of at least five minutes to a group (such as your unit or a Cub Scout pack) explaining the outdoor safety rules in the event of lightning, flash floods, and tornadoes. Before your talk, share your outline with your counselor for approval.
    b. Read several articles about acid rain and give a prepared talk of at least five minutes to a group (such as your unit or a Cub Scout pack) about the articles. Before your talk, share your outline with your counselor for approval.
  10. Find out about a weather-related career opportunity that interests you. Discuss with and explain to your counselor what training and education are required for such a position, and the responsibilities required of such a position.
If there are any questions, please let me know.  And, if anyone is interested in helping out with this, please reply to this email, so I can put you in contact with Mr. Ray Gruber.

Thanks, and have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Jeff Kilburg
AMS Treasurer
Posted by at 12:18 PM