7. Variables in the World Around You

Today you built a fun, colorful, and interactive project while you learned about an important computer science concept: variables. Variables help people collect and utilize information, or data.

For example, computer scientists design tools to help forecast the weather, such as the ones described in this video.

Weather models are updated every six hours to include the most current observations for the next forecast.

This approach prevents the model from straying too far from reality, and acts as a checks and balance system to achieve the most accurate forecast.

Satellites orbiting the earth relay immense amounts of data back to scientists on the ground, who can then enter that data into computer model simulations.

We have the equations and then we have computer code, which solves those equations on a day-to-day basis.

NASA is the source for most of the research satellite observations of the atmosphere, land, and oceans.

Computer scientists use those variables in programs that help determine the likelihood of a given weather pattern.

Scientists and meteorologists use computer science to collect and analyze data, allowing them to forecast the weather. Industries such as agriculture, emergency services, and airlines depend on these weather forecasts. Knowledge of the weather allows people to plan better, keep the public safe, and save money. This is one example of how computer science directly impacts the world in which you live. Take a minute to write a shout-out to someone who helped you today, and post it on the G+ board.

Next time, you will learn how to make an art application that allows you to create Graffiti artwork. Until then, have fun creating and coding!