Skyview Systems has over 20 years experience in weather monitoring and data collection. Having already invested time and resources in several local schools through work experience placements and donated weather stations, Skyview decided to invest in the community with a microclimate study in the local area, using the unique web-based weather data logging framework, Skylink Pro.

Microclimates – The Bigger Picture

Global warming and climate change are important issues to people of all ages the world over. There are growing concerns over the impact we have on our environment and how we are contributing to the ecological changes taking place. Through understanding weather we can gain greater insight into the health of our planet and the overall effects of global warming.

Weather monitoring is an essential skill to pass on the next generation, as we are already seeing the effects of climate change on our seasons. Giving students the tools to study weather locally will enable them to learn through hands-on experience, and equip them with the knowledge and power to shape the future of the environment.

Studying Microclimates

Skyview Systems has over 20 years experience in weather monitoring and data collection. Having already invested time and resources in several local schools through work experience placements and donated weather stations, Skyview decided to invest in the community with a microclimate study in the local area, using the unique web-based weather data logging framework, ClimeMET.

ClimeMET enables schools to record weather data collected from a monitoring system and publishes it online, allowing students to access and utilise the data in both classroom and homework activities, and also share it with the wider community and parents.

Building on this, schools in the Colchester area were connected to create a network, so that as well as viewing their own data, each school could access the data from other schools within the network, via a dropdown menu.

Students can view live and historical weather data, viewing information from across Europe as well as from each local site and across the UK. During times of flood rainfall data can be analysed, providing detailed readings for studies, reports and analysis. In a similar fashion storms, lightning strikes and hurricanes can be brought to life. 

Data can be shared with local community groups, building a resource for tourism and conservation as well as education.

Colchester Borough & the Eco-Schools Initiative

Two additional schools were added to the Colchester microclimate network following Colchester's Eco-Schools event. The Eco-Schools initiative introduces methods and ideas for more sustainable living, helping schools to reduce their carbon footprint and encouraging students to adopt environmentally friendly practices.

Two Skyview weather systems, including installation, were awarded as prizes for a recycled arts award. The prize was co-sponsored by edf energy, with ClimeMET subscription provided by Skyview.

Benefits:
> Encourage the development of new skills
> Historic data can be shared with the local community
> Data can be used in projects across the curriculum
> Develop awareness of global issues at a local level
> Resource for case studies, projects, reports and assignments