For decades, students have had to merely utilise textbooks to study about weather, temperature, humidity, strom prediction, and much more. But what if students can take their learning to the next level by incorporating real-world data? Sounds exciting? Then you should read this article. Imagine students actively measuring rainfall, keeping an eye on temperature and humidity, and even investigating storms in a classroom with a weather station. All students need this practical experience because it makes abstract ideas come to life and encourages curiosity and personal development. And I feel its is a huge responsibility for every schools & univeristies to provide such hands-on experience for students.
A text book sometimes misses the pulse; A weather station doesn't.
Put your imagination into the game. Imagine two class rooms filled with students. One class just reads about how weather is measured and how a storm is formed. How to measure temperature and humidity. On the other hand, in the second class room, students hold weather stations in their hand predicting about how the weather is going to be this evening. And students look into an anemometer and finds the pressure drops predicting a storm.
Tell us which looks exciting, and students of which class learn and understand things better? The answer is clear!
Experiential learning not only improves retention but also sparks curiosity and critical thinking. By interacting directly with a weather station, students can connect to real-world applications. They will gain practical skills that will help them in the career progression, whether in meteorology, environmental science, or any field that depends on weather data.
Schools and universities that offer experiential learning often stand out from the crowd by producing graduates who are not just knowledgeable but very well capable of tackling complex, real-world challenges.
Beyond classrooms: An absolute game changer for outdoor weather monitoring
Most people believe that school weather stations are solely intended for "educational purposes" and are only designed to be in classrooms. However, what if we say that there is more to it?
Because you can never predict the weather, have you ever been worried about holding a football match at your school or university? Such a concern does not exist with the good weather station. You no longer have to worry about a football match or sports day being spoilt thanks to pinpoint-accurate meteorological data.
But not only that. You can see changes in weather and temperature in real time at a weather station located in an open field. demonstrating to kids how farming and numerous other outdoor pursuits are impacted by this.
How an elementary school in Michigan is using a weather station to inspire students:
Spring is rolling in, and it brings a potential danger—a notorious weather condition—but this elementary school in Michigan thought of seizing the opportunity to use this and give their students practical insights on showing how the stroms are formed and how they would affect the region using a Davis weather station.
This step leaves a huge imprint on the kids, nutruting them with a sense of curiosity and wonderment towards science. We have also seen kids who had practical experience on science have had brighter career paths.
With this weather station, students now have access to real-time weather data, allowing them to study and understand weather patterns in a way that traditional textbooks simply can’t provide. The hands-on learning experience is sparking curiosity and excitement among the kids, as they dive into the science behind temperature, humidity, wind speed, and atmospheric pressure.
This weather station is already making a noticeable difference, helping students grasp complex concepts and inspiring a new generation of young learners to be excited about science and the environment.
Best weather stations for your schools/universities:
By now you must know how important a weather station for an educational institution, but we understand that you may wonder which weather station is the best for your school.
We have provided a list of popular weather stations that were purchased by universities across the US in the past year.
Davis Vantage Pro:
The Davis Vantage Pro2 is a reliable and comprehensive weather station, perfect for schools seeking to track real-time weather data with high accuracy. Its wireless setup and user-friendly interface make it an ideal fit for educational purposes, providing students with valuable hands-on experience.
KestrelMET 6000 Cellular Weather Station:
The KestrelMET 6000 offers a robust, cellular-enabled solution for schools looking to access weather data remotely. Its portable design and cellular connectivity ensure that students can monitor and analyze weather conditions no matter where they are located.
Wireless Vantage Pro2 Plus with WeatherLink Console: (Recommended)
The Wireless Vantage Pro2 Plus is an advanced weather station that delivers precise, real-time meteorological data. Its durable design and enhanced sensors make it perfect for schools looking to provide students with an in-depth understanding of weather science in both classroom and outdoor settings.
Our Final Thoughts:
Adding a weather station in your school or university is just just adding another instrument in your premises but an investment to provide a hands-on experience by allowing students to get real-time metrological data. Whether used in classrooms or outdoors, these weather stations are sure to inspire students to become scientists, physicists, and whatnot. Providing such experiences for students is not just a mere investment but an equal responsibility.