Predicting the Weather

Overview

Objectives/Goals The object of the experiment was to find the most accurate way to predict the weather without using advanced technology, like satellites and computers. The two methods compared are the scientific (using homemade instruments) and the traditional (using observations of nature) methods. Methods/Materials The scientific method required the usage of three homemade devices to gather data. These instruments were: a hygrometer for humidity, a barometer for air pressure, and a weather vane for wind direction. The traditional techniques were: the "Red Sky" poem, pinecones for humidity, ring around the moon for humidity, and leaves. Data was gathered for each method every morning and evening and predictions were made for each to be compared. The control was the predictions of the LA times. Results The scientific method produced 35 correct predictions out of 42 total. The traditional method had 34 correct predictions out of 42. The control (the LA Times) had 35 correct predictions out of 42. However, there was an experimental error involving the traditional method. I made a mistake in one of the predictions, meaning that the traditional method rightfully deserves 35 correct predictions out of 42. Conclusions/Discussion It can be concluded that the scientific and the tradional methods are equal in their accuracy. Both had 35 correct predictions showing that my hypothesis (that the scientific method would be more accurate) was null. Science and tradition collide in many fields and I hoped to resolve that conflict with my experiment, to determine which method is truly the best to use. The experiment does settle this conflict. Science and tradition are equal; there is no right or wrong answer between the two of them.

Competition history

• CSEF 2003 Earth Sciences/ Planetary Sciences/ Physical Environments · Entry J0603

Resources

• CSEF project summary ↗

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