This project was very successful in introducing students at HWS to the field collection of weather radar data. While a number of students who participated in the project were already majoring in Geoscience with a concentration in atmospheric science, a number were still undeclared first-year/sophomore students. Out of this undeclared pool of students, a number subsequently declared a major, with some expressing interest in conducting field research. Professor Laird had multiple students from his GEO 182 class train on the DOW.

The outreach events and tours of the DOW radar were very successful in large part from the participation of HWS students. They played a large role in interacting with the people of all ages visiting the DOW radar. The student discussed a variety of weather-related topics with visitors, as well as discussing the workings of the DOW radar when visitors had a chance to climb inside the DOW radar. Not only did our students gain hands-on experience with a weather radar and enhance their understanding of radar operations and data, they also gained experience in discussing and presenting scientific information with the general public. The informational posters were a successful resource for providing information to DOW radar visitors on several aspects of weather radars and weather systems.

A sampling of outreach posters used during GEO-WIND-HWS-II outreach events are included below. Posters were displayed at locations surrounding the DOW radar during outreach events to promote discussion with visitors while waiting to tour the inside of the DOW radar. Click to enlarge images.