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SCHOOL DAY VISIT - WEATHER
Sydney Observatory is open for booked school visits Monday to Friday during school terms. Each 90-minute tour is guided by a meteorology educator.
Sydney Observatory's newest program, developed with support from the Bureau of Meteorology, offers several flexible and engaging 90-minute programs suitable for Stage 1, 3 and 4 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.
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
2. Data collection 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. The ultra-violet index
f. Rainfall
3. 3-D Space Theatre presentation 'Extreme places' which describes extreme weather conditions throughout the Solar System, including the surfaces of Venus and Mars along with the icy depths of the frozen moon of Jupiter, Europa.
4. A visit to the nearby Bureau of Meteorology instrument lawn. 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
Stage 1 (years K–2) Teachers prior to the visit will receive via email …
1. A worksheet on which the students will record their data observations. Data will be collected on temperature, UV index, wind and clouds.
2. An information sheet and map to the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) instrument lawn which is 50 m from the Observatory.
3. A cloud identification sheet.
4. A set of weather map summary sheets used to identify the key features on a weather map. Stage 1 students are not expected to be able to use these but may be able to identify key features like high and low-pressure cells. It is important that the children watch the TV weather reports in the week prior to the visit.
All documents will be sent via email in PDF format to be printed at school prior to the visit.
A complete DET risk assessment form is available to download from our website at www.sydneyobservatory.com.
At the conclusion of the visit each class will receive one copy the of the Bureau of Meteorology’s book Stormy weather.
Stage 3 (years 4–6) Teachers prior to the visit will receive in the mail …
1. A workbook for each child that contains substantial information and activities to complete before, during and after the visit. They will need to bring it along with a pen or pencil. Replacement books are available at a cost of 50 cents each.
2. An information sheet and map to the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) instrument lawn which is 50 m from the Observatory.*
3. A cloud identification sheet.*
4. A set of weather map summary sheets used to identify the key features on a weather chart that will be used on the day of the visit. It is important that the children watch the TV weather reports in the week prior to the visit.*
* Documents 2, 3 and 4 will be sent via email in PDF format to be printed at school prior to the visit.
A complete DET risk assessment form is available to download from our website at www.sydneyobservatory.com.
At the conclusion of the visit each class will receive one copy the of the Bureau of Meteorology’s book Stormy weather.
Stages 4 and 5 (years 7–10) Teachers prior to the visit will receive via email …
1. A worksheet on which the students will record their data observations. ‘Weather maps and observations’ based on the events of 27 December 1998. Data for eight different weather parameters will be collected and interpreted.
2. An information sheet and map to the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) instrument lawn which is 50 m from the Observatory.
3. A cloud identification sheet.
4. A set of weather map summary sheets used to identify the key features on a weather chart that will be used on the day of the visit. It is important that the children watch the TV weather reports in the week prior to the visit.
All documents will be sent via email in PDF format to be printed at school prior to the visit.
A complete DET risk assessment form is available to download from our website at www.sydneyobservatory.com.
At the conclusion of the visit each class will receive one copy of the Bureau of Meteorology’s book Stormy weather.
Please note: some of the equipment is both fragile and expensive so please ensure it is used with care.
| Session times | 10.00am to 11.30am noon to 1.30pm |
| Cost | Teachers are free $7 per student |
| Supervision | Minimum of one teacher per 20 students |
| Group size | Maximum of 60 students (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 3482 (8.30am to 5.00pm, Monday to Friday or 10.00am to 5.00pm weekends) 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 and invoice, plus background material and information. When you receive this information:
• Check that all booking details are correct
• Sign and return the form
Cancellation
Cancellations must be advised by fax at least one week 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).
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.
