Unit of Competency Mapping – Information for Teachers/Assessors – Information for Learners

PUAFIR319 Mapping and Delivery Guide
Take local weather observations

Version 1.0
Issue Date: March 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency PUAFIR319 - Take local weather observations
Description This unit covers the competency required to take, assess, record and report simple weather observations for a specified area. No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Employability Skills This unit contains employability skills.
Learning Outcomes and Application This unit applies to personnel responsible for taking and recording weather observations in the field in a localised area.It covers the knowledge and skills required to attain meteorological data to provide current weather observations and to provide basic interpretations to assist with the prediction of future weather conditions and the impact of these conditions on planned field activities or an agency’s ability to respond to a natural disaster such as a storm or bushfire.
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.
Prerequisites/co-requisites Not applicable.
Competency Field
Development and validation strategy and guide for assessors and learners Student Learning Resources Handouts
Activities
Slides
PPT
Assessment 1 Assessment 2 Assessment 3 Assessment 4
Elements of Competency Performance Criteria              
Element: Gather field-based weather observations
  • Weather instruments that can be used for taking weather observations are identified.
  • Area specific information is accessed.
  • Meteorological observations are collected from the field using handheld weather instruments.
       
Element: Assess the influence of topography on local weather conditions
  • Local topographical influences most likely to affect weather conditions are identified.
  • Most likely affect that local topographical influences will have on weather conditions is determined.
       
Element: Assess local weather signs to identify likely changes
  • Weather signs that may be used to interpret and predict local conditions are identified.
  • Weather signs for monitoring and interpreting current and future conditions are evaluated.
  • Trends in the weather recordings are identified.
  • Short- and long-term implications of weather signs are assessed.
       
Element: Record and report weather observations
  • Meteorological observations are recorded in accordance with agency procedures.
  • Meteorological observations are reported to relevant personnel in accordance with organisational requirements.
       


Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Assessment must confirm the ability to:

take representative weather observations in two different locations

take weather observations using handheld weather instruments

take basic visual weather observations

record observations and pass these on to relevant authorities

make basic interpretations of current weather effects in localised areas for an emergency management incident

Consistency in performance

Competency should be demonstrated over time in an agency approved simulated and/or workplace environment.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Context of assessment

Competency should be assessed in an agency approved simulated and/or workplace environment.

Specific resources for assessment

Access is required to:

agency procedures

weather instruments

Method of assessment

In a public safety environment assessment is usually conducted via direct observation in a training environment or in the workplace via subject matter supervision and/or mentoring, which is typically recorded in a competency workbook.

Assessment is completed using appropriately qualified assessors who select the most appropriate method of assessment.

Assessment may occur in an operational environment or in an agency-approved simulated work environment. Forms of assessment that are typically used include:

direct observation

interviewing the candidate

journals and workplace documentation

third party reports from supervisors

written or oral questions


Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assignment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)


Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Required Skills

communicate effectively orally and in writing

interpret and convert measurements between different scales of measurement

solve problems and make decisions to determine the impact of meteorological observations

Required Knowledge

basic weather factors affecting local climatic conditions

access and using Bureau of Meteorology information related to local area weather forecasts

maritime influence on weather and climate

meteorological terms

topographical influences on weather

weather signs

The Range Statement relates to the Unit of Competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording in the Performance Criteria is detailed below.

Weather instruments must include:

electronic handheld weather meter

sling psychrometer

and may also include:

anemometer

Beaufort scale

portable automatic weather station (PAWS)

rain gauge

Meteorological observations may include:

air temperature

atmospheric stability

cloud (amount and type)

dewpoint

inversions

precipitation

relative humidity

wind (speed, direction and gusts)

wind changes (cold fronts, sea and land breezes, thunderstorms)

Local topographical influences may include:

altitude

bodies of water

distance from coast

local air masses

local land masses

maritime influences

slope and aspect

vegetation

Weather signs may include:

air temperature

barometric pressure changes

cloud formation and patters (fronts, inversions)

columns

convections

firewhirls

lightning

rainfall

wind direction and velocity

Trends may include:

anticipated changes

deteriorating conditions

improving conditions

Relevant personnel may include:

incident management teams

supervisors

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Weather instruments that can be used for taking weather observations are identified. 
Area specific information is accessed. 
Meteorological observations are collected from the field using handheld weather instruments. 
Local topographical influences most likely to affect weather conditions are identified. 
Most likely affect that local topographical influences will have on weather conditions is determined. 
Weather signs that may be used to interpret and predict local conditions are identified. 
Weather signs for monitoring and interpreting current and future conditions are evaluated. 
Trends in the weather recordings are identified. 
Short- and long-term implications of weather signs are assessed. 
Meteorological observations are recorded in accordance with agency procedures. 
Meteorological observations are reported to relevant personnel in accordance with organisational requirements. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

PUAFIR319 - Take local weather observations
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:


Assessment Record Sheet

PUAFIR319 - Take local weather observations

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: