After the conclusion of the online and in-person components of the course, participants are required to submit a plan for and/or conduct peer training sessions that utilize the concepts and materials learned during their Project Atmosphere experience. These peer-led training sessions can be offered virtually or in-person through a variety of locations/venues (such as school district professional development events, state or national science teachers' meetings, etc.); participants are free to decide how/where to give these training sessions.
The following is a list of meteorology topics that may be the focus of a peer-led training session, each one involving classroom tested, hands-on activities (including guides provided at no charge to all participating teachers).
Air - Sea Interaction
Investigates the coupling between the atmosphere and the ocean through wind-driven currents.
Atmosphere Aloft
Describes characteristics of upper-air weather maps and why meteorologists are interested in such maps.
Clouds
Explains the processes by which clouds are formed. Includes a brief discussion about water vapor. Has a cloud chart with different clouds types.
Coriolis Effect
Simulates motions across a rotating Earth in Northern and Southern hemispheres.
El Niño/La Niña
The El Niño/La Niña! slide chart creates visual understandings of the connections in the tropical Pacific atmosphere-ocean system.
Highs and Lows
Describes the weather characteristics associated with high and low pressure systems.
Hazardous Weather: Hurricanes
Explains and describes the processes of hazardous weather associated with hurricanes.
Hazardous Weather: Thunderstorms
Explains and describes the processes of hazardous weather associated with thunderstorms.
Hazardous Weather: Winter Storms
Explains and describes the processes of hazardous weather associated with winter storms.
Jet Streams
Explains the physical processes that create the polar-front jet stream. List characteristics and relationships of the polar-front jet stream to U.S. weather.
Sunlight and Seasons
Describes the characteristics of solar energy. Examines the astronomical features that create Earth's seasons. Lists atmospheric effects on incoming solar energy.
Weather Radar: Precipitation
Describes how a radar works and how it is used to detect precipitation. Provides information on how to interpret radar data for hazardous weather.
Weather Satellites
Describes the two basic types of satellites, geostationary and polar-orbiting. Defines three types of weather satellite imagery and explains the information provided by each type. Includes examples of the different types of satellite imagery.
Modules for Project Atmosphere course alumni