The primary goal of this theme is to familiarize teachers with basic meteorology while emphasizing some of the more fascinating aspects of tropical weather and climate. This theme prepares teachers to instruct their students in basic meteorological concepts and inspire a greater interest in this field. Participants learn about the tropical atmosphere, the nature of tropical weather systems, how to read and interpret weather maps, and the essentials of weather forecasting. Teachers will also learn composition and structure of the atmosphere, condensation, air pressure, winds and air masses, fronts, formation and dissipation of tropical cyclones, prediction and forecast models, track and intensity forecasting, and the impact of hurricanes on coastal communities, particularly South Florida.