For the agriculturist especially, the weather dictates
certain risks beyond human control. Drought can cause major setbacks while too much
rain, or flooding, can ruin a crop as well. The Meteorology
and Weather PAC discusses risk management strategies farm managers can use
to make wise decisions.
Students
determine that the use of percentages and probability, insurance and
hedging, and simply planning ahead can help farm managers to be aware of
the risks involved. And that can make a real difference in success
or failure.
Students monitor a local weather station set up at
school to check daily temperature, barometric pressure, rainfall, and wind speed
readings.
Through the use of the Internet, students can view satellite and radar
images to detect prominent weather patterns as they predict the
weather. After studying about beef, horse, and poultry production and
management, students will explore the world of animal genetics and animal processing.
Students
also check the climate of countries around the world and compare the international weather
tendencies to those of the United States. Finally, students identify the causes of tornadoes, hurricanes, thunderstorms, and
winter storms. Internet access is recommended for this PAC, but is not
required. Without Internet access, students may not be able to complete some of the
activities.
