Course curriculum

    1. Thermometers & Anemometers

    2. Sling Psychrometers

    3. Humidity vs. Dew Point Temperature

    4. Barometers & Rain Gauges

    5. Measuring Frozen Precipitation

    6. Remote vs. Handheld Instruments

    7. SI Units

    8. Why Accuracy Matters in Meteorology

    9. Quality-Control Measures

    10. Errors of Instruments

    11. Module 1 Quiz

    1. Fronts & Air Masses

    2. Cold Fronts & Warm Fronts

    3. Stationary Fronts & Occluded Fronts

    4. Dryline

    5. Module 2 Quiz

    1. Best Day for Outside Activities

    2. Taking Observations: Handheld & Remote

    3. Try This! - Test Your Skills

    4. Your Surface Observation Plot

    5. Weather Balloon Launches

    6. Your Skew-T Plot

About this course

  • $300.00
  • Learn proper procedures for conducting weather observations using a variety of instruments: thermometers, sling psychrometers, anemometers and barometers. Using a weather balloon, you will understand how to utilize a network of synchronous observations to generate weather maps. Included in the course cost: a package of materials to conduct weather observations both at and above the surface.

Want to build your own weather map using data from your backyard?

Are you a teen or a young adult who watches the weather channel? Do you enjoy hearing the Chief Meteorologist talk about those fancy weather maps? If so, then take this course! Learn how to conduct professional and accurate observations of the atmosphere from your own backyard and apply the observations to build your own weather map.

  • Participate in outdoor activities with a live instructor guiding, leading and interacting with the class.

  • Be an active Citizen Scientist contributing to information presented in local and global weather reports

  • Receive a package of materials to perform a group, hands-on experiment where the entire class will conduct surface-only and surface-to-150 feet observations of weather conditions at an agreed-upon time

Meet Your Instructor

James Klueppel Jr.

Chief Citizen Scientist for Velatropa24Ventures CO

James, Kin 72, Yellow Resonant Human, is Chief Citizen Scientist for Velatropa24Ventures CO (V24V) and LeadLink for V24V's GeoCulture AlphaNode. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Meteorology and has completed undergraduate research in the field as well as worked as a meteorologist to make life-saving forecasts. It is now his job to prepare the next class of weather forecasters for an education and career in the field.

Bundle Package for At-Home Kit

Included in the course's price is free shipment and distribution of four items, to your address, for practicing, testing and refining your Citizen Meteorology skills, at-home, at-the-office or anywhere outside in your community. Bundle includes: kite string, weather station, parachute, balloon.

  • Outdoor Kite String

    $5 value

    Thick nylon, twine string to hold up through the harshest weather conditions. The tighter the braid, the stronger the line. Made of high strength yarn, the fibers create a mid-stretch line with a length of 250FT. Perfect string to use when high visibility is desired. Before sending it out with the balloon, during a live class, the course instructor will demonstrate best practices for measurements, altering the string slightly, by marking and cutting it to its appropriate length.

  • Wireless Weather Station

    $20 value

    With this high-precision temperature humidity gauge, you will have access to an air thermometer and hygrometer to use for collecting data in your bioregion/local microclimate. The device provides personal wireless temperature/humidity monitor updates and transmits data up to 330 ft radius every 30 seconds.

  • 56" Parachute & Clear Bubble Balloon

    $23 value

    A speed parachute with a diameter of 56 inches produces 12-33 pounds of resistance: the faster the speed, the greater the resistance. Commonly used in sports for athletes engaging in acceleration training but this course uses the chute for Citizen Science, training the next generation of weather forecasters to advance meteorology into a new age of model-making and data analysis. Similar to the speed parachute, the clear balloon is typically used for different purposes: parties, holidays and general celebrations. But in this course, Citizen Science is celebrated, utilizing everyday, common items for creating real-time, relevant weather forecasts.

FAQ

  • What is the schedule for the live classes?

    Twice a week, live classes are held, beginning Wednesday, November 19, 2025 (Overtone Moon 5.5)

  • What day and time can I join the class?

    Wednesdays & Thursdays from 5pm to 6pm CST

  • How do I join the classes?

    A meeting link will be sent to your email

  • Will the live classes be recorded?

    Yes, all classes are recorded for you to view if you are unable to attend a weekly session

Contribute to a new future and purpose of scientific research

Group experiments, Citizen Science and more.

Enroll today