DataStreme Water in the Earth System (WES) Online, is a distance-learning course for teachers that incorporates inquiry-based instructional strategies and a holistic concept of Earth from oceanic, atmospheric and terrestrial water and problem-focused perspectives. It is designed after the highly successful DataStreme Atmosphere course, and investigates the mass and energy flows associated with the global water cycle, and with related issues. The course is directed towards middle-school teachers, but open to all K-12 teachers.
 
The 13-week course is offered through WES Local Implementation Teams (LITs) that are located around the country. Most course work is completed independently, with three group meetings during the semester. Participants in the course must have regular access to a computer, printer, and Internet browser. Participants must also have access to either an image scanner or fax machine for occasional submission of graphic work. Weekly work includes text reading, written investigations, and use of current earth systems data in investigations delivered over the Internet.
 
This course will be offered in New Hampshire in the Fall '08 (September - December) semester.  Applications received by June 1, 2008 will receive the highest priority. The three group meetings will take place from 4 - 8 pm, on weekday evenings at Plymouth State University, at the beginning, middle and end of the semester. Tuition for the course is provided by the AMS and NSF, and all course materials are provided at no cost. Participants who successfully complete the course will earn three graduate credits from the State University of New York.
 
If you would like more information on this project, and/or are interested in becoming a participant for the Fall '08 semester, please see the DataStreme WES Web site at:
 
http://www.ametsoc.org/amsedu/WES/Join.html

This is probably the last semester for this particular course. The AMS is developing an "Earth Climate System" course to replace it, hopefully beginning in Fall '09.

For additional information, or to submit an application, please contact:

 
Marsha Rich
DataStreme WES LIT Leader
117 Hutchinson Road
Chichester, NH 03258
phone: (603) 798-4267
e-mail: MarshaR@aol.com                                    (e-mail preferred!)