In this illustrated essay from NOVA Online, explore the cyclical process of weather creation and the effects of El Nino on the global weather system.

The concept of jet streams is explained on this site. Read about why jet stream winds blow from west to east, what the polar jet and subtropical jet are, the role that the rotation of the Earth plays, etc.

Students track barometric pressure, wind direction, temperature, and clouds. The class records daily readings in these for areas and attempt to formulate patterns to use in forecasting the weather based on these elements.