Reports a synthesis of existing research on children's misconceptions relating to weather, climate, and the atmosphere. Presents scientifically accepted interpretations in tandem with children's naive ideas. (Author/MM)

This study uses the context of the weather to explore the development of students' intuitive ideas of variation from pre-Grade 1 to Grade 9. Three aspects of understanding these intuitions associated with variation are explored in individual videotaped interviews with 73 students: explanations, suggestions of data, and graphing. The development of…

Explains an application of matrix algebra which involves probability matrices and weather predictions. Using probabilities of sunny or cloudy weather students can determine the effect weather on day one will have on subsequent days. (DH)

Describes an activity in which students use actual weather data to construct statistical experiments to determine whether a particular month of the year is colder than in the past. Students work in groups to make generalizations, formulate hypotheses, apply statistical methods to test the hypotheses, and draw conclusions. (MDH)

Reports a study that compared the effects of three methods of instruction, use of hands-on activities, hands-on activities in combination with computer-assisted instruction (CAI), or text-based activities, on student achievement and attitude. Results indicated students receiving a combination of hands-on activities with CAI scored significantly…

Reviewed are two computer software programs for Apple II computers on weather for upper elementary and middle school grades. "Weather" introduces the major factors (temperature, humidity, wind, and air pressure) affecting weather. "How Weather Works" uses simulation and auto-tutorial formats on sun, wind, fronts, clouds, and…

Reviews two programs: (1) "The Weather Machine" on understanding weather and weather forecasting and (2) "The Mystery of the Hotel Victoria" on problem solving in mathematics. Presents the descriptions, advantages, and weaknesses of the software. (YP)

Describes an activity in which the students utilize the mathematics concepts of ratio, proportion, and data tabulation to examine the relationship between air pressure, temperature, and humidity. Students learn to approximate partial pressure by using humidity and temperature readings and by interpolating from the vapor pressure-temperature table.…

Problems ask students to calculate the pressure against a billboard in high winds and the velocity of water flowing from a reservoir through a cylindrical pipe. Problem solutions incorporate computer tools such as spreadsheets. (MDH)