Requirements period June 1972 until January 1984

1. Find out about the climate where you live. Tell how it influences business, farming, clothing, transportation, housing, and recreation.

2. Do the following:

(a) Tell what meteorology is. Visit a weather station. Explain how observations are taken. Describe the following instruments: wind vane, anemometer, barometer, thermometer, hygrometer, rain gauge.

(b) Tell how radar, satellites, and electronics are used in weather forecasting.

(c) List your radio and television stations. Show the times they broadcast weather forecasts. Tell how weather warnings are given.

(d) Read a weather map. Describe the meaning of the symbols used.

3. Do the following:

(a) Draw a cross section of the atmosphere. Show its three main layers.
(b) Describe hurricanes, tornadoes, cyclones, squall lines, and blizzards. Tell the differences between them.
(c) Estimate the wind speed and direction by seeing how these affect trees, flags, etc.

4. Do the following:

(a) Make a drawing showing the water cycle.
(b) Identify types of clouds. Tell the differences between them.
(c) Tell the difference between drizzle, rain, freezing rain, sleet, hail, and snow.

5. Do the following:

(a) Make a simple wind vane, rain gauge, anemometer, hygrometer, and nephoscope.

(b) Make a daily weather chart for a month showing: (1) Dew or frost in the morning. (2) Wind direction, temperature, kinds of clouds, and precipitation at the same time each day.

(c) On the chart, list the weather forecasts from radio or television at the same time each day. List how the weather really turned out. Count the times forecast and what really happened were the same.

Requirements January 1984 until September 1987

1. Find out about the climate where you live. Tell how it influences business, farming, clothing, transportation, housing, and recreation.

2. Do the following:

(a) Tell what meteorology is. Visit a weather station. Explain how observations are taken. Describe the following instruments: wind vane, anemometer, barometer, thermometer, hygrometer, rain gauge.
(b) Tell how radar, satellites, and computers are used in weather forecasting.
(c) List your radio and television stations. Show the times they broadcast weather forecasts. Tell how weather warnings are given.
(d) Read a weather map. Describe the meaning of the symbols used.

3. Do the following:

(a) Draw a cross section of the atmosphere. Show its five main layers.
(b) Describe hurricanes, tornadoes, cyclones, squall lines, and blizzards. Tell the differences between them.
(c) Estimate the wind speed and direction by seeing how these affect trees, flags, etc.

4. Do the following:

(a) Make a drawing showing the water cycle.
(b) Identify types of clouds. Tell the differences between them.
(c) Tell the difference between drizzle, rain, freezing rain, sleet, hail, and snow.

5. Do the following:

(a) Make a simple wind vane, rain gauge, anemometer, and hygrometer.
(b) Make a daily weather log (or list) for a month showing: (1) Dew or frost in the morning. (2) Wind direction, temperature, kinds of clouds, and precipitation at the same time each day.
(c) On the log, list the weather forecasts from radio or television at the same time each day. List how the weather really turned out. Count the times when forecast and what really happened were the same.

Requirements September 1987 until January 2007

1. Define meteorology. Explain how the weather affects farmers, sailors, aviators, and the outdoors construction industry. Tell why weather forecasts are important to each of these groups.

2. Name five dangerous weather-related conditions. Give the safety rules for each when outdoors and explain the difference between a severe weather watch and a warning. Discuss the safety rules with your family.

3. Draw cross sections of a cold front and a warm front showing the location and movements of the cold and warm air, the frontal slope, the location and types of clouds associated with the front, and the location of rain. Tell the differences between a cold front and a warm front.

4. Tell what causes wind, why it rains, and how lightning and hail are formed. Explain the difference between high and low pressure systems in the atmosphere and tell which is related to good and poor weather.

5. Identify and describe clouds in the low, middle, and upper levels of the atmosphere. Relate these to specific types of weather.

6. Draw a diagram of the water cycle and label its major processes. Explain the water cycle to your counselor.

7. Define acid rain. Identify which human activities pollute the atmosphere as well as the effects such pollution can have on people.

8. Do ONE of the following:

(a) Make of the following instruments: wind vane, anemometer, rain gauge, hygrometer. Keep a daily weather log for 1 week using information from this instrument as well as from other sources such as local radio and television stations or NOAA Weather Radio. The following information should be recorded at the same time every day: wind direction and speed, temperature, precipitation, and types of clouds. Be sure to make a note of any morning dew or frost. In the log, also list the weather forecasts from radio or television at the same time each day and show how the weather really turned out.
(b) Visit a National Weather Service office or talk with a radio or television weathercaster, private meteorologist, local agricultural Extension service office, or university meteorology instructor. Find out what type of weather is most dangerous or damaging to your community. Determine how severe weather and flood warnings reach the homes in your community.

9. Do ONE of the following:

(a) Give a talk of more than 5 minutes to your unit explaining the camping safety rules in the event of lightning, flash floods, and tornadoes. Before your talk, show your outline to your counselor for approval.
(b) Read several articles about acid rain and give a prepared talk of more than 5 minutes about the articles to your unit. Before your talk, show your outline to your counselor for approval.