BWF installs WeatherSTEM in outdoor learning laboratory

Brookwood Forest Elementary broke new ground this summer by turning its new outdoor learning space into a research laboratory, complete with its own weather station. 

By becoming a flagship school with the WeatherSTEM program, Brookwood Forest joins the mission to connect classrooms and communities to the world around them.

The weather station in Brookwood Forest’s Outdoor Learning Lab uses real-time weather data, agricultural data, a cloud camera and scores of other data-rich information to help learning come to life for teachers and students. 

According to Principal Nathan Pitner, “In addition to Brookwood Forest’s own weather forecast information, we have sensors that collect data on the moisture and temperature of the soil, wind speed, heat index and so much more. One of our favorite features is a time lapse video of the cloud cover over Brookwood Forest Elementary each day.” 

An unending stream of authentic data is unmatched for studying math and science at Brookwood Forest, but the benefits go even further. While families in the Mountain Brook community will enjoy the local weather information, local meteorologists, universities, emergency responders and researchers have new opportunities to support their efforts, as well as the people who live and work here. The buzz of excitement is evident around the school, as they wait to see students exploring the endless possibilities provided through WeatherSTEM.  

You can find the Brookwood Forest Elementary WeatherSTEM Unit online at jefferson-al.weatherstem.com/bwf.

Download the ‘WeatherSTEM’ mobile app from Apple App Store or Google Play. 

You can also follow them on Twitter at twitter.com/BWFWxSTEM and like them on Facebook at facebook.com/174169216334247.

– Submitted by Kathleen Woodry.