ELEMENTS

PERFORMANCECRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Interpret information from a weather map.

1.1. Select map type according to required use.

1.2. Interpret weather map symbols and colours and associated weather conditions.

1.3. Compare and identify differences between current weather conditions and a current weather forecast.

2. Obtain and interpret information about, weather conditions for a locality or region.

2.1. Identify seasonal variations in weather patterns for a specific area.

2.2. Obtain long and short range weather forecasts for the general region and activity location.

2.3. Determine differences between large scale and localised weather conditions for a specific area.

2.4. Identify major cloud types, altitude level and influence on local weather.

2.5. Identify typical wind types, speeds and directions for locality and seasonal variations.

2.6. Determine effects of topography and landforms on weather conditions for activity location.

3. Obtain and interpret information about environmental events.

3.1. Access and interpret information about seasonal environmental events that occur in a specific area and locality.

3.2. Access and evaluate information on current environmental events and likelihood of impact on operational zone of outdoor recreation activities.

4. Plan activities according to weather and environmental conditions.

4.1. Determine and document a weather prediction for duration of activity for a specific locality or region using weather maps and forecast data.

4.2. Identify hazards associated with the onset of changing weather and other environmental conditions for locality or region and impacts on activities.

4.3. Assess weather conditions and forecast immediately before activities to determine suitability and limitations of activities.

4.4. Identify and implement strategies to ensure the safety and wellbeing of participants in current and predicted weather conditions.

5. Interpret weather in the field.

5.1. Access immediate weather forecast in the field, as able, and identify conditions and onset timelines.

5.2. Use a range of atmospheric features including wind and direction, temperature, sky colour, cloud type and coverage to assess weather.

5.3. Estimate probable changing weather conditions and onset timelines.

5.4. Identify and implement strategies to ensure the safety and wellbeing of participants in prevailing weather conditions.

Foundation skills essential to performance in this unit, but not explicit in the performance criteria are listed here, along with a brief context statement.

SKILLS

DESCRIPTION

Reading skills to:

interpret unfamiliar and potentially complex technical information about weather and environmental events.

Writing skills to:

record weather predictions incorporating correct terminology and jargon.

Numeracy skills to:

interpret and record detailed numerical data involving degrees, percentages, speeds, volume and mass.

Technology skills to:

use a range of technologies to access information about weather and environmental conditions.