School day visit – weather

SCHOOL DAY VISIT – WEATHER

Sydney Observatory is open for booked school visits Monday to Friday during school terms. Early Stage 1 and Stage 1 tours last for 60 to 90 minutes by prior negotiation with teachers. Stage 2 and up last for 105 minutes. Each visit consists of:

1. ‘Observing the weather’ exhibition visit led by Observatory staff. Exhibition features include:
a. What was the weather on your birthday interactive
b. Tipping bucket rain gauge interactive
c. Make a cloud interactive
d. Historic anemometers, barometers, sun gauge, and Australia’s first weather map displays.
e. Learning how to read weather maps

2. Data collection of some or all of the following using our equipment supervised by Observatory staff. Don’t forget a pencil!
a. Temperature
b. Barometric pressure
c. Wet and dry temperature to calculate relative humidity
d. Wind speed
e. Cloud type and cover
f. The ultraviolet index
g. Rainfall

3. 3-D Space Theatre presentation including:
a. Animated High and Low pressure systems
b. Storm warnings including volcanic activity
c. A virtual visit to the Bureau of Meteorology Instrument Lawn
d. Key weather dates such as February 7th 2009 in which hot winds from central Australia caused devastating fires in Victoria

If time permits, we will lead a short visit to the nearby Bureau of Meteorology instrument lawn approximately 50 metres away. This significant historic site is still one of the prime locations for the remote collection of weather data for the Bureau. Instruments include:
a. Stevenson screen for temperature and humidity measurements
b. Pluviographs for rainfall
c. Rain gauge for rainfall
d. Tipping bucket rain gauge for rainfall
It also provides an opportunity to view the nearby illuminated barometer atop Westpac Place on Kent Street.

Solar viewing. If time and weather permit, we will look at the Sun, the Solar System’s powerhouse, with our filtered telescopes.

Session times 10am to 11.45amnoon to 1.45pm
Cost $10 per studentTeachers are free
Supervision Minimum of one teacher per 20 students
Group size Maximum of 60 students plus 3 adults(larger groups from regional areas or interstate can be accommodated)

How to arrange a visit
Please consider several dates before making your booking in case your first preference has already been taken.

To make a booking call 9921 3485 or 9921 3481 (8.30am to 5.00pm, Monday to Friday) and one of our friendly staff will assist you.

Please ensure your have the following information ready:
• Name of school, address, telephone, fax and email details
• Number of students and class year
• Preferred time of arrival and departure (allow for travel time)
• Number of supervisors according to the following ratios: minimum of one teacher per 20 students
• Any students with special needs
• The best way and time to contact you if a return call is necessary
Once a date is confirmed, you will receive a booking confirmation form. Please check that all booking details are correct and that you agree to the conditions, then sign and return the form.

Arrival time: Please ensure your group arrives with sufficient time prior to the start of the tour in order to use the facilities as it is impossible to complete all the activities in less than 105 minutes. We are unable to accommodate late arrivals as we cannot adjust the starting times of other tours and groups. We thank you for your cooperation. Should you need to contact us on the day of the visit, please call 0411 239 341.

Stages 1 and 2 (years K–3) Teachers prior to the visit can download the following PDF documents:

1. ‘Hot and Cold’ – Early Stage 1 Weather Worksheet
or ‘What’s the Weather?’ – Stages 1 and 2 Worksheet

2. Cloud identification sheet

3. Bureau of Meteorology enclosure and Westpac barometer

4. Set of weather maps that explain key features including isobars, pressure cells, winds, rainfall and fronts

Stage 3 (years 4–6) Teachers prior to the visit can download the following PDF documents:

1. A 16-page ‘Observing the weather’ weather booklet containing pre-, during- and post-visit exercises. It is strongly recommended that the students bring this booklet with them on the day of the visit

2. Cloud identification sheet

3. Bureau of Meteorology enclosure and Westpac barometer

4. Set of weather maps that explain key features including isobars, pressure cells, winds, rainfall and fronts

Stages 4 and 5 (years 7–10) teachers prior to the visit can download the following PDF documents:

1. Worksheet for years 7 to 10

2. Cloud identification sheets

3. Bureau of Meteorology enclosure and Westpac barometer

4. Set of weather maps that explain key features including isobars, pressure cells, winds, rainfall and fronts

At the conclusion of the visit each class will receive one copy of the Bureau of Meteorology’s book ‘Stormy weather’.

A DET risk assessment form is available to download from the list of links, above left.

Sydney Observatory’s weather program, developed with support from the Bureau of Meteorology, offers several flexible and engaging 105-minute programs suitable for Stages 1, 3, 4 and 5 children studying the weather. Each program can cater for one or two visits per day of up to 60 children each.

For more information about this visit or to discuss your needs please email Senior Education Officer Geoff Wyatt or call him on 9921 3481.

Cancellation
Cancellations must be advised by fax at least two weeks prior to the booking date or 50% of the fee will be charged.

Invoicing
Invoice will be issued on the day of the tour for the number booked plus extras; if less turn up on the day than the number booked, invoice will be for the number booked (unless the change in numbers was advised more than 24 hours prior).

Please note: Some of the equipment is both fragile and expensive so please ensure it is used with care.

Joint visits
A $1 discount per child is available for joint visits to our preferred partners, the Powerhouse Museum, IMAX and Australian National Maritime Museum.

A full day program on weather is available with a combined Australian National Maritime Museum (ANMM) package. For details on the Maritime museum visit ANMM.

For further information please contact Sydney Observatory by telephoning 9921 3481 or by email.