The observer's record sheet
The same form our co-op observers use, simplified for one week of readings. Print it and start a class ledger.
Schools
Field trips that end in a ledger.
The bureau has run school visits since 1971. Classes read the gauges, help launch nothing (the balloon is licensed work), and leave with their own recording sheet.
Grades 3–5
Weather watchers
A 90-minute visit to Ashgrove Hill: the screen, the brass gauge, and the 09:00 log read aloud. Every child takes home a cloud card.
Grades 6–9
Reading the chart
A half day at Vale Observatory: isobars by hand, a forecast made and argued over, and the day's radiosonde track compared with their guesses.
Grades 10+
The dam problem
A full day split between Kestrel Dam and the HQ: inflow, outflow, and the autumn flood exercise where the class plays the valley council.
Booking
How to book a visit
Visits run Tuesday to Thursday in school term, two classes a day at most. Write four weeks ahead with your school, year group and numbers. Rain days are welcome; the fog diary session is better in fog.
Material
Free classroom sheets
Isobar practice pack
Three pressure maps from the archive with the answer keys drawn in pencil, as the archive insists on keeping them.