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CoCoRaHS

Background: Learn how to record and share precipitation data to improve weather forecasts with CoCoRaHS: the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail, and Snow Network. ��The data from this project are used by the National Weather Service, climatologists, meteorologists, hydrologists, emergency managers, city utilities, engineers, mosquito control, ranchers and farmers, teachers, students, researchers, neighbors in the community, and more.

Website: https://scistarter.org/cocorahs-rain-hail-snow-network

Age group: 13+ (*under 13 allowed with adult parent/guardian email)

Project timing and location: Just five minutes per day; primarily outdoors

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Preparation:

  1. Sign into SciStarter and visit the CoCoRaHS project page on SciStarter. View the Ambassador Workshop on facilitating CoCoRaHS.
  2. Watch this short animated video to determine if you or the library can invest in the required 4” diameter rain gauge for full participation, or consider other options that do not involve entering data.
  3. Confirm logistics with the library/host location. Use the program planning tool to assist with logistics including installing and maintaining the rain gauge (just five minutes per day!).

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Set the Stage

  • Welcome your audience, complete an icebreaker together by discussing the common (figurative) occurrence of watching it rain on one side of the street but not the other.
  • Introduce the concept of citizen science and how volunteers can help scientists by verifying how much it rained (or snowed) at their location.
  • Explain where the project originated and what volunteers are being asked to do.

Project Participation

If the library or host location is able to invest in a Rain Gauge

  • Registration
  • Gauge setup
    • Demonstrate its function with a bucket of water and a sponge!
  • Data entry (2-min video)
    • Daily measurements recommended
  • Without a rain gauge…
    • Access and Share Data
      • Maps, Data Explorer Tool
    • Other report types
      • Condition Monitoring
      • Hail

Wrap Up & Follow Up

Program Description

  • Guide your audience through creating SciStarter accounts and saving CoCoRaHS to their dashboards.
  • Provide instruction on continued participation through the app or CoCoRaHS website.
  • Discuss as a group what topics interest them most and demonstrate the use of the Project Finder to make their interests accessible.

Programming Tip: Encourage your participants to interact and voice their thoughts with each other and to the groups through brain breaks like ‘think-pair-share” and group discussions.