Students Work with NASA to Forecast Dust Storms

The video tutorial discusses a group of Maryland high school students who developed an app called Dust Watch. The app, available on the iOS App Store, uses NASA data to warn users about dust storm conditions. Inspired by a documentary, the students researched dust storms and collaborated with a software engineer and the National Weather Service to create the app. Despite their busy schedules, they successfully developed the app, which tracks air quality metrics and provides forecasts. They presented their work to NASA scientists, receiving valuable feedback and gaining a sense of accomplishment.

What inspired the high school students to create the Dust Watch app?

• A visit to a weather station

• A school project on weather patterns

• A documentary on dust storms

• A science fair competition

How did the students manage to develop the app despite their busy schedules?

• They utilized breaks and extra time for meetings

• They hired professional developers

• They worked on it during school hours

• They postponed their school assignments

What kind of data does the Dust Watch app use to forecast storm conditions?

• Satellite images from private companies

• Historical weather data from libraries

• Local weather station data

• National Weather Service forecasts improved by NASA data

Which harmful metrics does the Dust Watch app track?

• Snowfall and air pressure

• Rainfall and UV index

• Wind speed and PM 2.5

• Temperature and humidity

What was the students' initial reaction to the idea of creating the app?

• They were confident and experienced

• They thought it was impossible due to lack of programming knowledge

• They had a detailed plan from the start

• They were uninterested in the project