This is the EdGCM quick start guide presented at the Climate Modeling Workshop on 8/8/11.

EdGCM allows people to become familiar with both the scientific process and the tools of the trade that are an integral component of state of-the-art climate research and climate change forecasting. We hope that courses employing EdGCM will encourage more students to pursue Earth science careers, and that the experience will allow them to participate in climate research at an earlier stage in their education. However, we also hope that all who use EdGCM in any fashion will become better informed about climate change issues that affect everyone on the planet. If EdGCM helps to demystify this complex but crucial subject matter, then it is fulfilling a key objective.

EdGCM does not require a sophisticated understanding of climate to use, but climate science is an exceptionally multi-disciplinary field and an understanding of one or more of the associated disciplines (atmosphere, oceans, geology, physics, mathematics, biology, chemistry) will definitely enrich the experience. During the past few years, we have been heartened to see EdGCM used at levels of education from middle school to graduate level, as well as in museums, science centers, and even in professional research projects. EdGCM is now in use in many countries, and on all seven continents. We welcome you to this growing community of climate modelers, and hope that your experience with EdGCM encourages you to appreciate even more our amazing home planet.