The
purpose of this project was to buy the appropriate equipment and train students
located in Valley Elementary/Middle School, students in HazletonHigh School, and college students at PennState
–Hazleton Campus.It is hoped to improve
student interest in meteorology and other related sciences while at the same
time provide a source ofimmediate
internet monitoring ofconditions within
ten miles of a Nuclear Power Plant in the event ofan accident.As a result of a local NBC affiliate WBRE television and meterologist Dave Trygar attention was brought to the need for this equipment in the Greater Hazleton Area Schools. Dave questioned the GHACP if it would be able to help raise funds so the schools could share in this project. The GHACP took on the task to obtain the funding from the Applachian Regional Commission with the assistance of PA DCED. The matching funds were provided by PPL Electric utilities, Security Saving's foundation and the Greater Hazleton Area Chamber of Commerce.
Activities:
The supplier AWS Technologies, Inc.
(AWS) installed the weather reporting equipment.HazletonHigh School needed the
entire weather package that includes the camera, computer, software and
connectors.(The HazletonHigh School
package included installation).PennState
–Hazleton Campus had non-functioning equipment so they also received the entire
weather package.Valley
Elementary/Middle School needed an upgrade to their existing software for
functioning weather equipment and a camera that the school did not have
before.Both the price of the new
package for Hazleton and Penn State-Hazleton Campus and the upgrade package for
Valley Elementary/Middle School included training and support form AWS.In turn, the teachers will give students the
ability to operate the equipment and train students in the science of
meteorology.All teachers and
designated students will be able to access the equipment from any remote
location such as from their homes to complete science related homework
projects.
Program
Continuation and Sustainability:
The
program will be continued without the need for any further Grant monies. The
new equipment and its use has become a part of the curriculum at the schools
and the local television stations use the automatic monitoring almost on a
daily basis during their weather forecasts. The use by the general public has
also been widely publicized allowing up to date weather conditions at the
schools by simply clicking on the site.
The
installation and new curriculum brought on by this equipment is a win-win
situation for all of our region. Without the Appalachian Regional Commission
through the Pennsylvania States Department ofCommunity and Economic Development, Center for Entrepreneurial
Assistancestepping in to provide the
match for these schools the equipment would not be available. All area
residents also enjoy the immeasurable comfort level brought on by this project
regarding Homeland Security in the event of a natural or man-made disaster at
the Nuclear facility.
Click Here to view Weather Cam from Penn State, Hazleton
