TRC: Beyond 70 degrees and sunny

In this Teacher / Researcher Collaborative (TRC) event, we learned from Alexander Weyant how data from a network of weather stations can directly teach us about local microclimates and weather phenomena. This TRC was supported by the SoCal Heat Hub, which includes resources shared in this blog post. Click the video below to watch the recorded event and look below for the key resources that were shared. Also, if you missed this one, please click here to sign up for our next TRC event.

At the end of this post is a long list of resources teachers can use in the classroom, but it is worth highlighting the data dashboard created by Alexander Weyant to interact with weather and climate data: Climate and Weather Dashboard

Please note that this dashboard is still under development and is highlighted in the video at the following time stamp: Dashboard Instructions

Goals from this TRC

• Learn how data from a network of weather stations can directly teach us about local microclimates and weather phenomena. 

• Explore weather station data from local schools and neighborhoods to engage your students with meteorological and climate based phenomena.

• Connect with other teachers and share learning with Understanding Global Change

Resource and Link	Description
Participant Google Drive Folder	Access to all the files and presentation slides shared.
Alexander Weyant’s Presentation Slides	Includes all the content and figures from the research presentation.
Climate and Weather Dashboard More Data Sources	The climate and weather dashboard for San Diego created by Alexander Weyant.
Earth NullSchool	Historical and current maps of the data with weather.
Analyzing and Interpreting Data Routine Blog Post	Includes the context and all the links to the google drive files for launching data literacy routines with your students.
Analyzing and Interpreting Routine	This google doc allows you to scaffold student thinking through the scaffolded steps of analysis and interpretation.
Analyzing and Interpreting Data Routine Slides	These slides provide a step-by-step guide for educators to lead their students through the data analysis process. From identifying data features to interpreting relationships, each slide offers clear instructions and prompts.
Initial Analysis of Data Organizer:  Example Organizer with Responses:	This template helps students structure their initial observations and interpretations of data. It encourages them to notice features, describe the purpose of the data, and begin identifying patterns.  To support teachers in implementing this routine, we've included an example organizer filled with sample responses. This demonstrates how students might engage with real-world data about temperature variations across different locations in San Diego.
Climate Literacy Principles	Learning targets for Climate Literacy
Davis Weatherlink	Map of weather stations, like the one shown at the TRC.  You will have to create an account to view the map fully and the station data.
NWS/NOAA Weather & Hazards Tool	Historical weather observations
Wikipedia, NOAA’s Climate Normals Page	Climate Records
NOAA’s Climate at a Glance	Climate change information
NWS Climate Plots	Historical weather observation in context