Caribbean Climate Monitoring Network
Build weather monitoring stations and analyze climate patterns using space and Earth data
Earth Systems
Space Systems
Engineering Design
Expert Level
Project Overview
Students become climate scientists, building automated weather monitoring stations and analyzing long-term climate patterns using both ground-based observations and satellite data. This expert-level project integrates meteorology, space science, and data analysis to understand Caribbean climate change.
5-6 weeks
2-4 students
Expert
Learning Objectives
- Understand climate vs. weather patterns and long-term atmospheric changes
- Analyze satellite data and ground observations for climate research
- Design automated monitoring systems with data logging capabilities
- Study long-term climate trends and their impacts on Caribbean regions
- Present climate findings to meteorologists and climate scientists
Week-by-Week Implementation
Week 1-2: Climate Science Foundation
- • Study Caribbean climate patterns and seasonal variations
- • Research climate change impacts on island nations
- • Learn to interpret satellite imagery and weather maps
- • Analyze historical climate data and trends
- • Interview local meteorologists and climate researchers
Week 3: Monitoring Station Construction
- • Build automated weather monitoring stations
- • Install sensors for temperature, humidity, pressure, rainfall
- • Set up data logging systems and wireless transmission
- • Create weatherproof housing for equipment
- • Test and calibrate all monitoring equipment
Week 4: Data Collection and Analysis
- • Collect continuous weather data from monitoring stations
- • Compare ground observations with satellite data
- • Create graphs and charts showing weather patterns
- • Analyze data quality and identify measurement errors
- • Study correlations between different weather variables
Week 5: Climate Trend Analysis
- • Compare current data with historical climate records
- • Identify long-term trends and anomalies
- • Study extreme weather events and their frequency
- • Analyze seasonal patterns and climate cycles
- • Create climate trend reports with projections
Week 6: Expert Presentation
- • Prepare comprehensive climate assessment reports
- • Create visual presentations with data visualizations
- • Present findings to meteorologists and climate scientists
- • Discuss implications for Caribbean communities
- • Share data with national weather services
Assessment Strategies
Data Collection System (30%)
Functional weather monitoring station with accurate data logging capabilities
Trend Analysis (30%)
Statistical analysis of climate trends with supporting graphs and interpretations
Scientific Report (25%)
Comprehensive climate assessment with methodology, results, and conclusions
Expert Presentation (15%)
Clear communication of climate findings to professional meteorologists
Required Equipment
Weather Sensors
- • Digital temperature/humidity sensors
- • Barometric pressure sensors
- • Rain gauge with tipping bucket
- • Wind speed and direction sensors
- • UV and light intensity meters
Data Systems
- • Microcontrollers or data loggers
- • SD cards for data storage
- • Wireless transmission modules
- • Solar panels and batteries
- • Weatherproof enclosures
Analysis Tools
- • Computers with spreadsheet software
- • Access to satellite imagery websites
- • Graphing and statistical software
- • Historical weather databases
- • Scientific calculators
Extension Opportunities
- Connect with national weather services for data sharing
- Create climate change awareness materials for communities
- Design early warning systems for extreme weather
- Partner with university climate research programs
Caribbean Climate Focus
- • Study hurricane season patterns and intensity changes
- • Monitor sea level rise impacts on coastal areas
- • Track temperature changes affecting coral reefs
- • Analyze rainfall patterns and drought cycles
- • Investigate trade wind pattern changes