"The American Meteorological Society (AMS), founded in 1919, is a scientific and professional society. Interdisciplinary in its scope, the Society actively promotes the development and dissemination of information on the atmospheric and related oceanic and hydrologic sciences. AMS has more than 14,000 professional members from more than 100 countries and over 175 corporate and institutional members representing 40 countries. The Education Program is the initiative of the American Meteorological Society fostering the teaching of the atmospheric and related oceanic and hydrologic sciences at the precollege level and in community college, college and university programs. It is a unique partnership between scientists and educators at all levels with the ultimate goals of (1) attracting young people to further studies in science, mathematics and technology, and (2) promoting public scientific literacy. This is done via the development and dissemination of scientifically authentic, up-to-date, and instructionally sound learning and resource materials for teachers and students. AMS Weather Studies, a component of the AMS education initiative since 1999, is an introductory undergraduate meteorology course offered partially via the Internet in partnership with college and university faculty. AMS Weather Studies provides students with a comprehensive study of the principles of meteorology while simultaneously providing classroom and laboratory applications focused on current weather situations. It provides real experiences demonstrating the value of computers and electronic access to time-sensitive data and information. "