ENVNR X001 - Improving Weather and Climate Understanding for Ohio’s Environmental Professionals and Volunteers
This online, self-paced course builds knowledge and practical skills for integrating Ohio-specific weather and climate science into environmental education, outreach, and professional practice. Designed for environmental professionals, educators, and volunteers, the course emphasizes real-world application, community engagement, and effective communication around weather and climate impacts in Ohio.
Delivery Options
Online Self-Paced: This course is delivered fully online with no scheduled class sessions. Participants may complete the coursework independently at their own pace within the designated access period. Content includes videos, interactive activities, readings, resources, and optional Zoom-based engagement opportunities with course creators and peers.
Time to Completion
This course is projected to take approximately 8 hours to complete and is divided into four one-hour learning modules plus a short final assignment.
Course Completion Requirements
To successfully complete the course, participants must complete all four learning modules and submit a short final assignment focused on applying course concepts to their professional or volunteer work.
Technology Requirements
- Reliable internet connection
- Access to a computer or tablet capable of streaming video content
- Google Chrome or Firefox is recommended
- Optional access to Zoom for live engagement opportunities
What You’ll Learn
- Define weather and climate and explain how each affects society and the natural world.
- Examine Ohio’s geographic location and how it influences local weather and climate.
- Demonstrate connections between geography, weather systems, and global climate zones.
- Identify natural and human-made drivers of climate change.
- Describe the primary impacts of climate change in Ohio on phenology, natural resources, and society.
- Incorporate weather and climate awareness into professional and volunteer education and outreach.
What You’ll Earn
- A certificate of completion from The Ohio State University School of Environment and Natural Resources.
Additional Information
This course is intended for environmental professionals, educators, and volunteers seeking to enhance their understanding of Ohio’s weather and climate and apply that knowledge in public-facing education and outreach efforts.
Optional Zoom Schedule
- Introductory Webinar: February 17th, 2026, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
- Office Hour Session: February 25th, 2026, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
- Final Project Brainstorming Session: March 2nd, 2026, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Accessibility
If you require an accommodation such as live captioning or interpretation to participate in this event, please contact Anne Baird at baird.41@osu.edu or 614-292-8603. Requests made by 10 days in advance will generally allow us to provide seamless access, but the university will make every effort to meet requests made after this date.
Contact Us
For questions about enrollment, payment options, technology support, or course records, please contact our Enrollment Support team. Inquiries are typically answered within 24 business hours.
For questions about course content or learning objectives, please contact Geddy Davis or Anne Baird.