Friday Finds: NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

This week’s Friday Finds features NOAA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Admistration. NOAA is a department of the United States government that monitors and studies weather patterns, ocean currents, storm outbreaks, and much more–anything having to do with, you guessed it, oceanic or atmospheric issues. I have utilized the site on numerous occasions to support homeschool lessons, and I keep up with NOAA on social media to stay informed of any weather concerns that may affect us where we live.

The first scientific agency of the United States began in 1807, and was called Survey of the Coast. Survey of the Coast established the roots of what would become the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, an organization whose mission is “Science, Service, and Stewardship. To understand and predict changes in climate, weather, oceans, and coasts, to share that knowledge and information with others, and to conserve and manage coastal and marine ecosystems and resources,” and whose future desires are “Resilient Ecosystems, Communities, and Economies. Healthy ecosystems, communities, and economies that are resilient in the face of change.”

NOAA provides in-depth information regarding such things as daily weather forecasts, severe storm warnings, and climate monitoring, as well as fisheries management, coastal restoration, marine commerce support, and more. While they do not as of yet have a dedicated page for educational activities, the NOAA website and its affiliate organizations do contain a plethora of research aids and helpful resources to better understand the meteorological conditions of our planet. One of NOAA‘s partner pages, Ready.gov, encourages everyone to be prepared for emergencies, and includes a special page just for kids. They’ve also teamed up with Hiro and Baymax for a little PSA below and to teach them how they too can “Be a Hero!” by making a plan, preparing a kit, knowing the facts, and getting involved.

I encourage you to check out NOAA today! Thoroughly explore the website, and be sure to follow social media channels. (They have a lot!) You can find them on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Flickr, and Youtube. You can find the complete list here.

[Tweet “Learn about weather, climate & more! #FridayFinds #NOAA #homeschool”]

SCHOOL SUBJECT: Meteorology, Oceanography, Weather, Climate, Science
SKILL LEVEL: All

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