Free course

Watching the weather

Free statement of participation on completion
Watching the weather
More about this course

Course description

Course content

Course reviews

This free course, Watching the weather, describes how meteorological observations are made looking upwards from the surface of the Earth, looking downwards from satellites in space and from aircraft and balloons within the atmosphere. This international network of observations is vital for scientists and forecasters and the results impact on everyones daily activities.

Course learning outcomes

After studying this course, you should be able to:

  • demonstrate general knowledge and understanding of some of the basic facts, concepts, scientific principles and language relating to meteorology and weather forecasting, in particular the techniques used to gather meteorological data
  • receive and respond to information presented in a variety of ways, including text, tables, graphs, diagrams, computer-based multimedia and websites
  • begin to understand how to develop personal learning strategies.

First Published: 04/02/2013

Updated: 20/06/2019

You can start this course right now without signing-up. Click on any of the course content sections below to start at any point in this course.
If you want to be able to track your progress, earn a free Statement of Participation, and access all course quizzes and activities, sign-up.

Course content

Expand all course content
Skip Your course resources

For further information, take a look at our frequently asked questions which may give you the support you need.

Have a question?

Take your learning further

Making the decision to study can be a big step, which is why you'll want a trusted University. The Open University has 50 years’ experience delivering flexible learning and 170,000 students are studying with us right now. Take a look at all Open University courses.

If you are new to university level study, find out more about the types of qualifications we offer, including our entry level Access courses and Certificates.

Not ready for University study then browse over 900 free courses on OpenLearn and sign up to our newsletter to hear about new free courses as they are released.

Every year, thousands of students decide to study with The Open University. With over 120 qualifications, we’ve got the right course for you.

Request an Open University prospectus

S189_1