The Schools of the Pacific Rainfall Climate Experiment (SPaRCE)
is a cooperative field project involving local meteorological services,
elementary, middle school, high school, college, and trade school
students from various Pacific islands, atolls, and the U.S.   The
SPaRCE program (headquartered at the University of Oklahoma in
Norman, Oklahoma) began in January 1993 with only a handful of
Pacific schools. Since its implementation, the project has quickly
grown.  There are currently over 160 schools from approximately
22 different countries enrolled.

Students from Eaurpik School in Yap taking a rainfall reading from
their rain gauge.

Initially, participants are sent two direct-read, plastic rain gauges
along with an instructional video tape and manual for placing,
reading, and maintaining the rain gauges.  A single-use camera is
also sent out to make photographic documentation of the rain
gauge locations.  Most of the SPaRCE sites are on small islands
and atolls which have very little funding for computers or special
projects.  SPaRCE provides environmental education and
enhancement of Pacific island science programs.  In addition to
the first workbook and video, five additional workbooks and videos
addressing topics such as global climate, general weather, and
Pacific regional climate are sent to participants.  As participants
progress in the program, they receive additional instrumentation,
such as sling psychrometers and max-min thermometers, and
other educational materials, such as science posters and science
experiment kits.