New Website is Live!

Happy 2018! The new website for the updated Weather or Not resources is now live! You can visit the site at the link below:

http://weatherornotso.weebly.com/

The site is currently a work in progress, but I hope to get most of the site done before the next school year. If you want to wait before the resources are fully complete, you can still use the old resources from before.

Good luck studying!

Meteorology Slideshow Complete!

The Meteorology slideshow is complete! You can access it here:
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1dySXHhMj4dA-oQ_K4_7_qkwsrYfx_HET-MT-etriydc/edit#slide=id.g382bf9713e091939_331

The slideshow contains all the essentials of Meteorology required for the competition (and more)! In addition, this slideshow comes with additional resources (worksheets and activities). These resources can be found in the folder below:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0B32_sm0oWRWdZ21SUHZJZDlSZUU

It is important to note that the activities are not fully complete yet (it is still a work in progress, since college is getting busy). I will also be developing a site that houses these resources. The site can be found at the URL below:
http://weatherornotso.weebly.com/

If you have any questions, please contact me at ajzhou@umich.edu.

New Resources and Site for 2017-2018!

Hello everyone! I'm astonished at how much attention this site has gotten over the past year, even after the 2015-2016 school year's completion. Thank you all for that.

However, if things go to plan, I will be able to have a new site (with new resources) beginning with the 2017-2018 school year. You can view the progress here:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0B32_sm0oWRWdZ21SUHZJZDlSZUU

This will be the new resources folder beginning next year, with a more comprehensive review of topics that cover not only the Division A event but also the Division B one. Do note that this folder is currently a work in progress. It will be gradually updated over the summer. The old resources will still remain on this site for those who prefer the old format.

Thank you!

Congratulations, Martin!

Remember when I made a post last year about how the World Meteorological Organization needed a new name that started with the letter M? Well, they've officially announced the new M name that will be on the hurricane list in 2022 last week.

Congratulations, Martin! I know I made a lot of practice questions using your name for hypothetical hurricane names last year, but your name is officially on the roster now.

http://www.noaa.gov/media-release/world-meteorological-organization-retires-storm-names-matthew-and-otto

Quick Update

Hello guys! Hopefully middle school is treating you well.

I'm currently very busy in college, so I'll be holding off on my Weather or Not project until I have a bit more free time. I have finished the first 10 units or so, and I'll try my best to have the material ready for the 2017-18 school year.

So yeah, recent weather news! If you guys haven't heard, we had our first Category 5 hurricane in the Atlantic since 2007 just a few weeks ago — in other words, the last time such an event occurred, I was a 4th grader (younger than you guys). I am fairly certain that this will show up on the competition exams this year simply because of how rare Cat 5 hurricanes are.

If you want to read a bit more about the life of Hurricane Matthew, you can go to this page (that is, if you haven't paid attention to the news already): https://weather.com/storms/hurricane/news/hurricane-matthew-bahamas-florida-georgia-carolinas-forecast

Speaking of which, the name Matthew will probably be retired next year, meaning that a new male name starting with the letter "M" will replace it on the 2022 Atlantic hurricane name list. I don't know about you, but that seems rather familiar... you know, there might be a chance that one of you guys' names will end up on the list (although it is rather low since there are many male names that begin with M out there...).

I'm looking at you, Martin. ;)

Official Results

Official results can be viewed here:
http://wayneoaklandso.weebly.com/uploads/2/4/1/3/24133078/2016_woso_schoolcraft_scores.pdf

Weather or Not is on page 16. You guys missed 2nd place by just 1 point!

Anyway, I am building a slideshow for next year's team since I didn't have time to make one this year (hopefully the reviews were fine). If you guys want to give me feedback on this, you can visit the slideshow here: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1Resj_ijWfY6_R-5IJrIEkgQsvIM7m1YTb3p_9Hn5U_c/

Also, I'll be launching a new website for the event next year (not on Blogger). It'll be nice and awesome, so you can look forward to that if you guys plan on doing Meteorology next year. I'll post the site link once I'm done with it over the summer.

Have a wonderful summer! It's going to be in the 80s this week.

Regional Competition Essay Answers

Here are the answers to the two tiebreaker essay questions at the competition Saturday:

73. What event occurred in the equatorial Pacific in 2015, and how did it affect Michigan weather?
Answer: There was a strong El Niño in 2015, causing warmer than average temperatures in Michigan and drier conditions (that's why we didn't get much snow this winter). Whenever you see the words "equatorial Pacific," I guarantee you that the answer will either be El Niño or La Niña.
http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2015/101515-noaa-strong-el-nino-sets-the-stage-for-2015-2016-winter-weather.html

74. What weather event occurred in the Southern Plains in May 2015, and which states were impacted the most?
Answer: This question was testing the May 5-10, 2015 tornado outbreak. Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Dakota, & Texas all counted for points, but only 1 or 2 states were needed. The two target states were Oklahoma & Texas.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/May_5%E2%80%9310,_2015_tornado_outbreak_sequence

Good luck!

Good luck on your tests tomorrow. Remember... I will be there! But pretend you don't know me.

I will know your scores as well, so don't fail! Get 1st place so you guys don't end up as losers compared to last year... (just kidding, just try your best).

Remember your test-taking strategies! They'll definitely help if you have a question you do not know!

Competition Practice Day 50

For the next 50 days, I will post multiple choice questions for you to answer. I expect you to do them! I will print off your explanations and discuss them with you at the next meeting.

Use the link provided to answer these questions.

MC Practice Day 50

99. The following picture represents what?

        (A) C. H. D. Buys Ballot's Buys Ballot Law

        (B) Alfred Wegener's Theory of Continental Drift

        (C) Wladimir Peter Köppen's Köppen Climate Classification System

        (D) Vilhelm Bjerknes's Polar Front Theory

        (E) Gabriel Fahrenheit's Fahrenheit Temperature Scale (°F)

100. The following picture represents what?

        (A) C. H. D. Buys Ballot's Buys Ballot Law

        (B) Alfred Wegener's Theory of Continental Drift

        (C) Wladimir Peter Köppen's Köppen Climate Classification System

        (D) Vilhelm Bjerknes's Polar Front Theory

        (E) Gabriel Fahrenheit's Fahrenheit Temperature Scale (°F)

Answer here: http://goo.gl/forms/PQL5uFFpmj

Meeting #17

Today we went over the final exam that you took over the last week. Here are the answers if you need them: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B5nmsYdf6QD6SHpvdjFqMWxHMDQ/view?usp=sharing

If you have any questions, be sure to email me at ajz1998@gmail.com, and I will try to answer them. Good luck at the competition Saturday, and remember to study hard! You guys better get 1st place... >:)

Schedule Before Competition

Here is the preliminary schedule for the next few weeks before the competition:

Thursday, April 28
Take Quiz Units 1-6 on 5-7 random standards chosen from the PowerPoint.
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1Og4lV_J6_-Kgx2y2_tKgzeYKitmIs7KFd_8esMxnEeU/edit#slide=id.g86617f56d_2_511
Answers will be posted here on April 28 for you to check: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B5nmsYdf6QD6MG85N0VSZ0sxekk/view?usp=sharing
Take Notes on Units 7-11 https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B5nmsYdf6QD6U2pndmFfaUVMTFE/view?usp=sharing
HW: Complete Practice Exam #1 in Packet, pages 7-15, if you haven't already
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B5nmsYdf6QD6czcyVjhWbmIzRmc/view?usp=sharing

Thursday, May 5 (note this has changed!)
Complete Fast Filler Questions, District Exam 2015, and any incomplete assignments. Please bring all material and technology needed to complete this task.
Take Quiz Units 7-11 on 8 random standards chosen from the PowerPoint.
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1Og4lV_J6_-Kgx2y2_tKgzeYKitmIs7KFd_8esMxnEeU/edit#slide=id.g866d6660b_6_118
Answers will be posted here on May 5 for you to check: N/A
Take Notes on Units 12-17.
HW: Take Notes on Units 12-17
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1go008q1G8A-6S_A4_BO3x_cpyhv36TX40YVUfo3Oih8
Page 20-end

Thursday, May 12
Take Quiz Units 12-17 on 5-8 random standards chosen from the PowerPoint.
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1Og4lV_J6_-Kgx2y2_tKgzeYKitmIs7KFd_8esMxnEeU/edit#slide=id.g866d6660b_6_376
Take Final Exam
Answer any questions you may have on Final Exam and Practice Exams.
HW: Study and get 1st place!

This post is pinned (kept at the top), so all online practice questions are below here. There will be new questions every day up until the competition! Make sure to do those as well!

Competition Practice Day 49

For the next 50 days, I will post multiple choice questions for you to answer. I expect you to do them! I will print off your explanations and discuss them with you at the next meeting.

Use the link provided to answer these questions.

MC Practice Day 49

97. The ozone hole is located above
        (A) Michigan

        (B) South America

        (C) the Equator

        (D) the Tropic of Cancer

        (E) Antarctica

98. Which is not a component of the cryosphere?
        (A) glaciers

        (B) snow cover

        (C) frozen ground

        (D) hail

        (E) icebergs

Answer here: http://goo.gl/forms/ECR6qm7aeP

Competition Practice Day 48

For the next 50 days, I will post multiple choice questions for you to answer. I expect you to do them! I will print off your explanations and discuss them with you at the next meeting.

Use the link provided to answer these questions.

MC Practice Day 48

95. Reflectivity images on Doppler Radar measure
        (A) precipitation speed

        (B) wind direction

        (C) precipitation intensity

        (D) albedo

        (E) none of the above

96. Velocity images on Doppler Radar measure
        (A) precipitation speed

        (B) wind direction

        (C) precipitation intensity

        (D) albedo

        (E) none of the above

Answer here: http://goo.gl/forms/gmIRxSxPtD

Competition Practice Day 47

For the next 50 days, I will post multiple choice questions for you to answer. I expect you to do them! I will print off your explanations and discuss them with you at the next meeting.

Use the link provided to answer these questions.

MC Practice Day 47

93. Another name for sheet lightning is
        (A) intracloud lightning

        (B) cloud-to-ground lightning

        (C) heat lightning

        (D) a bolt from the blue

        (E) gust lightning

94. Heat lightning occurs most often on
        (A) cold winter days

        (B) warm and humid days

        (C) hot summer days

        (D) dry and chilly days

        (E) none of the above

Answer here: http://goo.gl/forms/rohoJq7UOZ

Competition Practice Day 46

For the next 50 days, I will post multiple choice questions for you to answer. I expect you to do them! I will print off your explanations and discuss them with you at the next meeting.

Use the link provided to answer these questions.

MC Practice Day 46

91. The most common form of lightning is
        (A) sheet lightning

        (B) cloud-to-ground lightning

        (C) heat lightning

        (D) a bolt from the blue

        (E) all occur at the same frequency

92. A lightning bolt that travels horizontally for many miles before striking the ground is
        (A) sheet lightning

        (B) cloud-to-ground lightning

        (C) heat lightning

        (D) a bolt from the blue

        (E) intracloud lightning

Answer here: http://goo.gl/forms/W0cQe8h5Nz

Competition Practice Day 45

For the next 50 days, I will post multiple choice questions for you to answer. I expect you to do them! I will print off your explanations and discuss them with you at the next meeting.

Use the link provided to answer these questions.

MC Practice Day 45

89. What should your lightning safety plan take into account?
        (A) the latest weather forecast

        (B) how many people will have to find shelter

        (C) where they will evacuate to

        (D) what emergency materials to bring along

        (E) all of the above

90. Which of the following can you depend on to protect you from lightning?
        (A) a picnic shelter

        (B) a convertible automobile

        (C) a baseball dugout

        (D) a small cluster of trees

        (E) none of the above

Answer here: http://goo.gl/forms/4TqOnzVGtW

Competition Practice Day 44

For the next 50 days, I will post multiple choice questions for you to answer. I expect you to do them! I will print off your explanations and discuss them with you at the next meeting.

Use the link provided to answer these questions.

MC Practice Day 44

87. Thunder travels about one mile every
        (A) 1 second

        (B) 5 seconds

        (C) 15 seconds

        (D) 45 seconds

        (E) 90 seconds

88. A person who has been struck by lightning
        (A) should be administered CPR if he or she is unconcious and not breathing

        (B) should not be touched for at least 60 seconds because of his or her electrified body

        (C) should not be touched at all without proper protection gear

        (D) has very little chance of survival

        (E) should not be dealt with until emergency personnel arrive

Answer here: http://goo.gl/forms/uku1xPKL30

Competition Practice Day 43

For the next 50 days, I will post multiple choice questions for you to answer. I expect you to do them! I will print off your explanations and discuss them with you at the next meeting.

Use the link provided to answer these questions.

MC Practice Day 43

85. A little hole in the air opened by lightning is called a
        (A) thunder

        (B) channel

        (C) passage

        (D) updraft

        (E) downdraft

86. When a lightning bolt strikes the ground, the next bolt, on average, will
        (A) not strike for another 30 seconds

        (B) not strike for another hour

        (C) go off solely inside the cloud

        (D) strike within two to three miles of its predecessor

        (E) strike over seven to eight miles of its predecessor

Answer here: http://goo.gl/forms/R2cfrJDIv1

Meeting #16

By our meeting next week, you should know everything we've covered over the last year.

In addition, you should look up historical storms... every single major hurricane, tornado, and blizzard is fair game for the competition.

Study hard! How will I know next week? Don't worry, I'll know... there's going to be a surprise next week. :)

Competition Practice Day 42

For the next 50 days, I will post multiple choice questions for you to answer. I expect you to do them! I will print off your explanations and discuss them with you at the next meeting.

Use the link provided to answer these questions.

MC Practice Day 42

83. The average bolt of lightning has the width of a
        (A) tire

        (B) coffee cup

        (C) quarter

        (D) pine needle

        (E) glue stick

84. Images of hurricanes are often taken by which satellite?
        (A) GOES

        (B) POES

        (C) TIROS

        (D) NEXRAD

        (E) magnetic

Answer here: http://goo.gl/forms/CXTtSGfKMg