Lesley Leary, co-sponsored by the Department of Atmospheric Sciences

I have always had an interest in science, but thinking of a proposal for the NASA Space Grant made me think of when I first truly became interested in becoming a scientist. It was when I was in 7th grade and we had a hands-on stream study where we were responsible for catching and recording the different wildlife in the stream. Now that the area of science I study has become narrower I thought it would be a great idea to expose young adults to atmospheric science and make available a lot of fun activities where a passion for science could grow.

Big Weather is a program that spans over a few months and includes modules on different atmospheric science concepts including: clouds, precipitation, winds, solar energy, and extreme weather events. Each of the modules will contain a number of hands-on experiments highlighting the concepts, a NASA satellite session, weather related arts and crafts, plus building gadgets for a personal at home weather station.

Big Weather works specifically with young adults through the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. These at risk youths are typically from broken homes, have behavioral or learning problems, or a general lack of respect for authority. Through this program education is provided in a fun and non-threatening environment where bonds between youths and adults can flourish and an interest in a new hobby can grow.

The first module, Big Weather: Clouds, has already commenced with great success! Big Brother Big Sister of Tucson is so excited about the event their featuring it in their monthly newsletter and advertising future Big Weather events. The Littles had a great time with the experiments and activities, especially making their own cloud in a bottle to take home. One Little who had recently finished a weather segment in school even mention, "we learned more today about clouds than we did in school last week!" Comments from the Bigs ranged from, "I never knew that," to "this was very well organized, but it didn't feel like school."