4.6

Jonathan Martin

Science - University of Wisconsin - Madison

4.6
Quality
2.5
Difficulty
83%
Would Retake
119
Reviews
4.6
Quality
2.5
Difficulty
4.5
Helpful
4.6
Clarity

83%

Would Retake

119

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official

5

91

4

18

3

5

2

2

1

3

What Students Say

Martin is great, super knowledgable+enthusiastic about the subject

AOS100 - 4.0 rating

He's very passionate and has your best interest at heart

ATM100 - 5.0 rating
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

38%

Textbook Required

40%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

A-

95% confidence
Based on 39 grades
Most common grades:
A (18)
A- (10)
B (6)
Grade Distribution
A(20)B(7)C(0)D(0)F(0)A-/B+(12)
Based on 43 reported grades
A: 18
A-: 10
B: 6
Not sure yet: 4
Common Tags
Amazing lectures (15)
Hilarious (15)
Respected (11)
Inspirational (9)
Test heavy (8)
Clear grading criteria (7)
Amazing lectures (7)
Caring (6)
Rating Trend

Stable

-0.14 avg change
Apr
May
Jan
Feb
May
Oct
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

ATM100

5.0

(2)

WEATHER101

5.0

(2)

AOS452

5.0

(2)

ATMOSPHERE100

5.0

(1)

AOS100

4.7

(80)
+4 more courses
Difficulty by Course

AOS452

4.0

ATMOC101

4.0

AOS101

2.7

ATM100

2.5

ATM101

2.5

Reviews (119)
5.0
2.0
ATM100
Mar 23, 2006

Very good class and very good professor. I was almost tempted to change my major after taking Weather and Climate with Professor Martin. I would highly recommend taking this class with Professor Martin.

5.0
2.0
AOS100
Mar 29, 2006

teaches weather in very applicable way

5.0
1.0
AOS100
Apr 12, 2006

I loved his class! I wasn't very interested in this class, but Martin is so fun to listen to that he changed my mind! He always tells stories from experience and makes the class laugh. He also wrote the textbook, so it's very accessible and easy to read. Highly recommend this class.

5.0
1.0
AOS100
May 3, 2006

Seriously has to be one of the best professors on campus. Makes class interesting and fun. He has an awesome Boston accent. I definately recommend taking this class with him. With a little investigating (searching on the internet) you can find the answers to the homework from an old department website.

5.0
2.0
AOS100
May 5, 2006

Maaaaaaaahtin is a pretty good professor. He seems very helpful and makes things clear. His class is pretty easy. I'll get an A and skipped about half of it.

5.0
1.0
WEATHER101
May 12, 2006

hes so enthusiatic its funny

5.0
3.0
AOS101
May 12, 2006

Martin is hilarious and loves what he does. Very helpful if you need it. Textbook is 70 pages and work load is very minimal. He is a great professor. Good 4 credit science class.

4.0
3.0
AOS100
May 18, 2006

Prof. Martin is hysterical. He has a really thick Boston accent and he actually makes the topic tolerable. Do all the homework and study for the exams and you'll do fine. He's really great about office hours and going to him for help. If you need the physical science credit take this class, but only if you can get Martin!

5.0
1.0
AOS100
May 19, 2006

Very easy class. Martin is a great teacher, and everything is really easy to understand. Textbook is really small but just read each section 3-4 times before the test and you should do fine.

5.0
1.0
AOS100
Nov 14, 2006

Take this class! Doc Martin is the best prof. i've had at the UW. If you read the book (20 pages) or go to lecture you will get an A. Good guy, good class.

5.0
1.0
AOS100
Jul 1, 2006

Jon Mahten is a GREAT prof. Every word of his lectures is in his coursebook. Read it well and you'll never need to go to class. Puts science into simple, mainstream terms, lots of examples, even offers EC. Does NOT rush you into anything. I imagine this course would drive science-oriented people insane. However, blow it off and you're screwed.

5.0
1.0
AOS101
Nov 21, 2006

Perhaps my favorite prof ever! I wish I could take him again. He is hilarious, smart, and very nice. Plus the exams are pretty simple. Take this class! One piece of advice: don't take the optional discussion if you don't have to, it actually brought my grade down to an AB.

5.0
3.0
AOS452
Jan 1, 2007

Excellent teacher, very clear when describing concepts and always willing to help students both in and outside of class, also students learn a lot of applicable concepts in the class

5.0
2.0
AOS100
Apr 18, 2007

Dr. Martin is not only interesting, but he condenses and simplifies the material so it's accessible for everyone, he has sincere enthusiasm for what he teaches, he is absolutely available and willing to help his students, and his Boston accent is awesome. The honors option is fun.

5.0
2.0
AOS101
May 15, 2007

Professor Martin is one of the best, if not the greatest, professor at the UW. He's very knowledgeable and makes everything easy to understand, although some of the more difficult topics just can't be dumbed down for everybody. He's very friendly and approachable outside or after class. The optional discussion section is pretty good, too.

5.0
1.0
AOS100
May 21, 2007

greatest man ever. so cool, very interesting and funny. highly recomend this class and this prof. final was 37questions, finished in 25 minutes. easiest class of my life and yet i learned a lot and was interested

5.0
2.0
AOS100
Jun 4, 2007

Martin is totally cool. He wrote the book... using his lecture notes, so it's all right there. He loves what he teaches, and he makes class fun. Don't be mistaken though, studying and reading the notes HELPS A LOT. He even let me reschedule a midterm to go see an NCAA tournament game. Too bad I never got to see his band perform though...

5.0
2.0
AOS100
Jul 19, 2007

You need to get this prof for this class. Textbook is very condensed which means the 4-5 page reading assignments are filled with a lot of info. Very passionate about this subject and it shows. I usually read the section of the textbook 3 or 4 times before the tests and did pretty well. Each section is only about 20-25 pages long.

5.0
1.0
AOS100
Feb 14, 2008

Top of the line at UW! Martin is a compelling lecturer AND guy outside of class. My area of study is far from weather and climate, but I loved this course. The text (which he wrote) is easy to read and follows his lectures precisely. Still, lecture is interesting and revelant. Great prof with a great Boston accent :)

5.0
2.0
ATM101
Aug 29, 2007

I took his 101 course as a freshamn 8 years ago, and even though I majored in something completely different, he and his class always stood out in my mind as one of the most enjoyable. Incredibly nice and did a great job making the subject interesting. I love you professor Martin!

5.0
1.0
AOS100
Mar 16, 2008

Not entirely necessary to attend lecture, but that's just because it copies the textbook which he wrote. Martin's great at teaching a potentially difficult subject with great clarity, both in writing and in lecture, and he's genuinely excited about doing so. Highly recommended.

5.0
1.0
AOS101
Apr 8, 2008

He's a great professor! Keeps the class engaged, and very funny! Textbook is not necessary if you attend all lectures. Don't do the lab if not necessary. A lot more work than the 1 credit it's worth. Oh, he also spends about 15 minutes every lecture to talk about current weather. Really interesting! Take it!

5.0
2.0
AOS101
May 12, 2008

Prof Martin is a great professor with tons of energy and so much enthusiasm for his subject. The material itself gets a bit heavy, but if you get lost in lecture, his textbook is literally a script of the lecture, so I usually felt confused in lecture, but once I caught up in the reading, understood the material fine and did well on tests. If yo

5.0
1.0
AOS100
May 15, 2008

professor martin is a legend. he is the man. you dont have to go to lecture, but people still went because he's sweet. full of energy, clear, good examples, engaging and funny. lecture is right out of the book, which he wrote. tests are straightforward. take the class! you'll learn a lot, but youll also spend 3 hours/week with the coolest man alive

4.0
2.0
AOS100
Aug 16, 2008

Lec's are 15 min of weather report, 35 min sudoku. He is probably the nicest professor and he is very engaging. HW started out simple, but then 3 were incredibly hard and I couldn't even find the answers online. I nailed the EC and pulled off an A, but I didn't do so hot on the midterms. Curved ALOT. Easy to skip. Highlight in the text as he talks.

5.0
2.0
AOS100
Mar 11, 2009

Quite honestly the best professor I've ever had. Is completely in love with weather, and it shows. Very engaging, clear and fun to listen to. You don't have to go to class, but he's so great that I did anyway. You rule, Prof. Martin!

5.0
1.0
AOS100
Apr 27, 2009

Absolutely great professor. I learned a lot and it's not a tough course and he makes it fun. Let's just say if all professors were like him the UW would be gold standard of the world.

5.0
4.0
AOS100
May 9, 2009

Great professor and I would highly recommend him to anyone. He loves answering questions, genuinely cares about the kids, and obviously enjoys what he does. His examples in class are great. Homework is graded a bit harsh, but rest of the class is fair.

5.0
5.0
AOS452
May 13, 2009

One of the most incredible professors out there, this class puts together everything you learned in calculus, physics, and dynamics. It also was the hardest I ever worked for any class in my college career. This class requires 15 hours/week outside of class, more at times. Did I mention he's the lead singer in a band?

5.0
1.0
AOS100
May 14, 2009

Prof. Martin made what would have been a very boring class interesting, but all of his lecture material is in his book so you don't actually have to go to class.

5.0
2.0
AOS100
Sep 3, 2009

great prof.

5.0
2.0
AOS100
Sep 11, 2009

Prof. Martin is the best teacher ever in UW-Madison. Although I am not good at physical science, Martin's class will bring you a lot of fun. He talks about current weather for 15 mins every class and has a really good ton of the rest materials. BTW, 3cr is much more easier than 4cr with discussion.

4.0
4.0
ATMOC101
Dec 28, 2009

Don't expect to get a good grade on your homework. Tests are not that bad, but people in the class are doing really well, so it's hard to get an A, but easy C,BC, and B.

4.0
2.0
AOS100
Mar 27, 2010

He's awesome. You can definitely tell he loves the weather. He doesn't mind giving the whole class an A. The homework and the exams can be a little difficult sometimes, but if you study and read the book you should be fine. I would recommend this class.

5.0
2.0
AOS101
Apr 25, 2010

by far the greatest professor i have ever had in my life. relatively easy science credit.... attendance wasn't mandatory but go anyway, he's a great speaker.

4.0
3.0
AOS101
May 12, 2010

Great prof. Very passionate and honestly cares about the students. Biggest gripe is that he uses crude, hand drawn overhead transparencies for all the diagrams and notes. The guy is a scientist with a PhD--it's not as if he is unable to use PowerPoint... Homeworks are fairly toughly graded. First test is very easy, other three a lot tougher.

5.0
1.0
AOS100
May 13, 2010

4 exams, homework due every other Friday. He's a great guy, super helpful, really interesting lecturer. I think his old school slides were fine.

5.0
1.0
AOS100
May 16, 2010

Martin is an awesome professor! Never went to class after first midterm because eveyrthing he says in lecture is in his "own note" textbook. 3 midterms, 7 hw and final (like midterm). Homeworks are challenging and toughly graded but easy science credit

5.0
2.0
AOS100
May 17, 2010

Great professor, very entertaining in class. His Boston accent makes class even better. He wrote the textbook for the class, and his lectures come from the book. Don't take any other weather and climate class.

5.0
1.0
AOS100
May 24, 2010

Great teacher, wasn't really too excited about weather until I took the class. Class was actually enjoyable to go to. Martin is a great guy, with a great Boston accent.

4.0
4.0
AOS101
May 25, 2010

Prof wrote the text you use, so lectures are very similar to book. Exams are rather difficult, so i recommend studying the book/notes WELL before exams. Don't recommend taking the 101 discussion. Overall, lectures are very entertaining and worth getting up for.

5.0
1.0
AOS100
Apr 10, 2011

Great Prof. Knows material very well, and anything not in lecture will not appear on test. Very clear examples, and holds his own exam review, not TA's.

5.0
2.0
AOS100
Apr 25, 2011

His lectures are right from his book, which are just his notes he's come up with through his career. The class is so interesting, Martin does a great job! And actually uses funny jokes. 4 Exams, 7 Homeworks, and you get to drop the lowest one. I dont think its as easy as everyone says, but either way its a great class for a physical science credit

5.0
1.0
AOS100
May 7, 2011

One of the best professors at Madison. Take this class with Martin

5.0
1.0
AOS100
May 8, 2011

Great professor, extremely enthusiastic, makes it fun to attend lecture. Self-written textbook mirrors lectures. Four exams and 7 homeworks. An absolute expert who clearly enjoys teaching. Very friendly at office hours, holds own review sessions. Easy and fun science credit.

4.0
3.0
AOS100
May 8, 2011

He is a great teacher who enjoys teaching but i would say that his class is HARD unlike other comments mentioned here. I aimed for an A and I got BC on my first test. I managed to take it up to AB but it's almost impossible to get A in this class. Tests are thought required and there is not much practice exams that we can try out.

5.0
3.0
AOS100
May 14, 2011

Martin is one of the best professors I've had. I'm not a "science person" and I received an A in the class, but I did study for the tests and took my time on the homework. He's very friendly and makes class interesting. If you attend lecture, do the homework, read the book, and study up a bit, this should be an easy physical science credit.

3.0
4.0
AOS100
May 15, 2011

I did not have a good experience with this class. The homework was a surprising amount of work, but you have a fair amount of time to do it in. The exams were HARD and you really have to know the material and how to apply it to real life problems. The only way I would recommend this class to someone is if they are truly interested in W&C.

4.0
5.0
AOS101
May 15, 2011

The guy's very enthusiastic and clearly knows what he's talking about. That said, the exams are hard. Definitely not an easy A type class. Everything he lectures on is in the book almost word for word so attendance is not super important. Kind of a lot of homework. Definitely don't take the lab - RIDICULOUS amount of work for only one credit.

5.0
2.0
AOS101
May 17, 2011

Martin is the man! I had 0 interest in this class when I first signed up, but he makes this class worthwhile and fun. Enthusiastic and funny lecturer. Clearly explains all concepts and is always willing to help outside of class. Tests aren't easy, but if you study and have a good grasp on the concepts, it isn't difficult to do well.

5.0
3.0
AOS100
Mar 17, 2012

He is AWESOME!

5.0
3.0
AOS100
May 12, 2012

The man knows how to insert jokes in at the right time of lecture! Lectures are good, not mandatory, but go to them, so you know what will be tested and what will not. Class is a little bit harder than I thought it would be, homework is graded, so make you sure you do it. Tests are also a little harder than expected.

5.0
2.0
AOS100
May 18, 2012

Prof. Martin is fantastic. Easily one of the best I've had at the UW. He is a WONDERFUL teacher. He really understands what it means to TEACH students and how important that is. He's great at explaining the concepts and always puts it in terms that everyone can understand. His exams & homework are fair. If you study, you'll have no problems.

5.0
2.0
AOS100
May 23, 2012

The best TEACHER I've had so far. His lectures are very informative, and right when you start to lose interest, he throws in a witty joke or two. Lectures exactly follow the book that he wrote from his class notes, so you don't absolutely have to go to class, but they definitely clear some concepts up. Easy AB or A if you actually do the homework.

4.0
3.0
ATM101
Jun 29, 2012

BORING class. I dreaded going to every class. People say this is an "easy science" ... but if you do NOT like science, it's really not that simple. I hate science, and he always says that a lot of material is "intuitive," but that is a problem when you don't think like a "science person." Don't buy the textbook, it's literally the same as lecture

4.0
3.0
ATMOCN100
Apr 19, 2013

Was told by an adviser this would be an easy science class. False if you hate science. Lecture is the same as book. Don't bother going to class, just read the book and take notes. Offers little help when it comes to homework and the exams, while multiple choice, can be very tricky if you do not have a good grasp of the book's every detail.

5.0
2.0
AOS100
Apr 28, 2013

He is super enthusiastic and it isn't hard going to lecture. The lecture and the book are almost word for word the same because he wrote the book. It was harder than everyone said it would be, but still one of my easier classes. Homework every other week and 3 exams with a final. Homework is pretty hard and the exams have tricky questions.

5.0
2.0
AOS101
May 17, 2013

Good enthusiastic prof. Not too hard of a class and the book is same as lecture so you only need one or the another. The 101 section is a good amount of additional work but helps the overall understanding of material.

5.0
2.0
AOS100
May 17, 2013

Prof Martin was funny, clear, and knowledgeable in his lectures. It is clear that he is passionate about his work in climate studies. If you invest a fair amount of time in your homework assignments, this is a fairly easy course.

4.0
1.0
AOS100
May 18, 2013

Extremely enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and fun professor. Really excited about weather, wants you to be excited too. Teaches class like the general science credit it is, not like an intro to the weather major class. Fairly easy course if you go to lecture and read his book. I'm not a science major and did fine in the class.

4.0
2.0
AOS100
Apr 15, 2014

Professor Martin is a cool guy and super pumped about weather. Class required I put in more effort than I had expected to but not difficult material at all. Textbook is exactly his lecture notes. Exams are fair but more difficult than I had presumed, so I'd advise not cramming the night before like I would. All around good guy and pretty easy class

3.0
4.0
AOS100
May 11, 2014

If youre a non-science major DO NOT take this course, way harder than expected!

5.0
2.0
AOS100
May 12, 2014

Has some interesting stories he relates to material and and is very enthusiastic about the weather which makes for interesting lectures. He is helpful when emailing about homework, won't give you the answer but looks to point you in the right direction. Works jokes into lecture well. Great professor.

5.0
2.0
AOS100
Grade: A
May 12, 2014

Best professor I've ever had. I'm a finance major who needed a science, and a friend told me to take this class. Make sure you take it in the spring with Martin. A few times I went in to ask questions about the homework and we ended up talking for 45 minutes. Great guy and will make you want to go listen to him three days a week.

5.0
2.0
AOS100
May 29, 2014

I'm a chem major who took this class because I think weather's cool. It was great. Exams are easy...everything comes straight from the notes. The book isn't necessary. Professor Martin is a great lecturer...keeps class interesting and entertaining. You can tell he loves teaching, which is awesome. He's super excited to share his love of weather.

5.0
2.0
ATMOSPHERE100
Aug 12, 2014

He is very knowledgeable, and makes his lecture very attractive. Using a lot of simple examples and he is very charming I would say! Take this instead of physical 107 if you want easier and more interesting work!

5.0
2.0
AOS100
Grade: A-
Apr 4, 2016

I took this class as a Junior in the business school and loved it! Professor Martin makes the material interesting and easy to comprehend. If you are looking for a science class to fulfill requirements I highly recommend taking weather and climate with him. As long as you prepare for the exams and complete the homework you can expect a good grade.

5.0
1.0
AOS100
Grade: A
Apr 15, 2016

Best professor I've had! He makes weather interesting. The class was a bit more difficult than I was expecting but if you go to lecture and listen/take decent notes you shouldn't have any problems. He is a fun guy to be around and is always willing to take time out of class to answer any questions and doesn't try and trick you on the exams.

5.0
3.0
AOS101
Apr 18, 2016

Dr. Martin does his best to make you understand. The material isn't always the easiest to get, but he gives a lot of examples and loves answering questions. He's very funny and tries making class enjoyable, and it's obvious how much he loves what he's lecturing about!

5.0
3.0
AOS100
Apr 27, 2016

He is such a great professor, I wish I could take more classes by him! I'm not a huge fan of the subject and still am not, but he presented it in a clear and approachable away. He also offered help multiple times and I really felt like I could go to him with questions.

5.0
1.0
AOS101
Grade: A
May 1, 2016

Dr. Martin is an amazing lecturer. He is the most passionate prof I have had so far and he is funny as well. He makes the content interesting and is genuinely interested in making sure his students are learning in a useful way. If you have a good basic physics background, this class should be pretty easy for you and lectures mimic the textbook.

5.0
3.0
AOS101
May 7, 2016

He is very passionate about what he is talking about and lectures are engaging/interesting to attend.

5.0
2.0
AOS101
Grade: A
May 14, 2016

Professor Martin was great! I took the course because I needed physical science credits, but Professor Martin actually got me interested in the topic. He is very passionate about weather and is enthusiastic each lecture. He also really cares about his students and is incredibly approachable. I highly recommend!

5.0
2.0
AOS100
Grade: A
Jun 7, 2016
Would take again

Professor Martin was such a delight to see every MWF. He loves the weather so much that I started to love the weather. He adjusts test grades after the fact, so even though tests were harder than I expected I still ended up with good grades. Do what he asks of you, go to his review sessions and this is a great physical science class to take!

5.0
3.0
AOS100
Grade: A
Jun 28, 2016
Would take again

Best professor ever. Take his weather class in the spring. He is so enthusiastic and genuinely cares that you learn the material. Always drops in a couple good jokes and occasionally a bit of profound wisdom. Is not an automatic A, but if you focus on the important stuff you should do well.

5.0
3.0
AOS100
Grade: A
Aug 29, 2016
Would take again

Take AOS100 with Professor Martin in the spring! Hands down my all-time favorite professor because he is passionate about the class and his students. I was looking for an easy science credit, but I got so much more from Professor Martin.

Respected
Inspirational
Amazing lectures
5.0
3.0
ATM100
Grade: A
Oct 6, 2016
Would take again

AMAZING LECTURER!! I had zero knowledge on weather and climate, and to be honest, I wasn't that interested in it initially. But he was such an awesome professor that I actually looked forward to going to his lectures every week. He's very passionate and has your best interest at heart! Take his class, YOU WON'T REGRET IT!

Inspirational
Hilarious
Amazing lectures
5.0
3.0
AOS101
May 10, 2017
Would take again

Professor Martin is one of my favorite professors so far. He made the lecture so interesting and understandable. Homework was hard comparing to exams, but worth thinking. If you take with the lab section, you need to work on more practice homework weekly. Overall, great course!! You won't regret.

Respected
Hilarious
Amazing lectures
5.0
2.0
AOS100
Grade: A
May 10, 2017
Would take again

Jonathan Martin is a GEM. This man LOVES the weather and he makes lecture super interesting. The textbook is an easy read and it's extremely helpful. Overall, his class is very straight forward and he's really approachable. I highly recommend him for non-science majors!

Inspirational
Hilarious
Amazing lectures
5.0
1.0
AOS101
Grade: A+
May 10, 2017
Would take again

Jon Martin is one of the best professors at UW-Madison. He is very passionate about the weather and is an outstanding lecturer. The book coincides directly with lecture and is a useful supplement. Exams are straightforward. Although useful, no prior knowledge of physical science is needed. Pay attention in class, take notes, and you will do well.

Respected
Hilarious
Amazing lectures
4.0
2.0
AOS100
May 13, 2017
Would take again

Professor Martin was my favorite out of all my professors this semester, and probably out of all the professors I've had at Madison so far. He is hilarious, a great teacher, and very willing to help. Study for the tests and you will do fine. Take from Martin, you won't regret it!!!

Hilarious
Amazing lectures
4.0
3.0
AOS100
Grade: A-
May 14, 2017
Would take again

Overall great class and very interesting. Lectures were amazing and he laid out the material in a very relatable and easy to understand matter. The only complaints I have is that the homework is super hard , but it really boosts your grade if you do well. Additionally, I studied the material a lot for the exams and still got b's and c's.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Inspirational
Amazing lectures
2.0
5.0
AOS100
Grade: A-
May 15, 2017
Wouldn't take again

Martin is overrated. The difficulty ramps up exponentially towards the end of the semester. Martin, while jovial in class, is terrible during office hours. He frequently tells students he "doesn't feel like" explaining a concept again. He relies on bad heuristic arguments to explain concepts in class and in his textbook.

Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
TEST HEAVY
5.0
2.0
AOS100
Grade: A-
Aug 10, 2017
Would take again

Professor Martin is incredible! I never dreaded going to his class. He is an amazing lecturer and makes the material easy to understand by applying it to real life situations. He is really passionate and energetic and cares about all of his students. The textbook really helps make the material more understandable as well.

Inspirational
Hilarious
Amazing lectures
5.0
3.0
AOS100
Mar 15, 2018
Would take again

Super easy to listen to and explains everything well.

Amazing lectures
Clear grading criteria
Hilarious
4.0
4.0
AOS100
Apr 25, 2018
Wouldn't take again

Martin is great, super knowledgable+enthusiastic about the subject. However, this is NOT a class for non-science majors and will be super difficult if you struggle with science. Tests just don't line up with lecture material&require way too much critical analysis for a 100-level class. If you're looking for an easy science credit, this isn't it

Respected
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
4.0
3.0
AOS101
May 9, 2018
Would take again

The class is difficult at times, but Martin does a great job at explaining difficult concepts. Take the lab with it. I never knew someone could be so passionate about the weather!

5.0
3.0
AOS101
Grade: A
May 14, 2018
Would take again

One of the best professors I've had at UW! Very clearly passionate about the weather and breaks it down really well, so that it's easier to understand. Class gets a bit more difficult towards the end, but the final isn't cumulative which helps. Take the lab section with the class! Helps a lot with understanding material and can pad your grade.

Respected
ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS
Clear grading criteria
5.0
3.0
AOS101
Grade: A
Sep 5, 2018
Would take again

Went into Prof. Martin's class not sure of what I wanted to study in college and left it inspired. Martin implores his students to have the same passion about weather, climate studies, and natural sciences as he has, and creates fun and interactive atmosphere in the process. Prof Martin is down to earth, honest with students and ready to help 5/5!

Inspirational
Amazing lectures
Caring
5.0
3.0
AOS100
Grade: A
Apr 16, 2019
Would take again

He's very well respected and very passionate about the weather! Makes us intrigued about the subject as well. He's very accessible outside class, so you will always have the chance to discuss things with him. If anything, the homework are a bit tough but it's only on biweekly basis. Overall recommended! :)

Gives good feedback
Respected
Accessible outside class
3.0
4.0
AOS100
Grade: Not sure yet
May 1, 2019
Wouldn't take again

If you are looking for an easy class as a freshmen, this is not it. Prof Martin is an awesome guy but his lectures are pointless to go to. He talks about todays weather for half of the class and it's not even on the exams. The homework is a bit hard but nothing terrible to handle. His exams are pretty difficult and requires a lot of studying.

Respected
Graded by few things
Clear grading criteria
4.0
3.0
AOS100
Grade: A-
May 1, 2019
Would take again

I'm not much of a science person, but Prof. Martin does a great job of making you listen anyway! He's a really fun and straightforward guy that genuinely want you to learn the fundamentals in a way that make the bigger-scale stuff a breeze. The homework is pretty tough, but the tests are so straightforward and fair. Lots of laughs in this class!

Respected
Clear grading criteria
Hilarious
3.0
4.0
AOS100
May 3, 2019
Would take again

Martin is a funny guy, but the class is not that easy. If you're looking for an easy physical science credit, there are better classes. Taking this class just to have a good professor is not worth it. Exams are only 30 questions so it is easy to get a bad grade. Spends a good chunk of class on daily weather, moves quickly through concepts.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Graded by few things
Hilarious
5.0
3.0
AOS100
Grade: A
May 4, 2019
Would take again

The least I can do for Dr. Martin is leave him a great review on RMP. I took the class because I wanted an easy A and he was a highly rated prof. I can't attest to the A being 'easy', but if you pay attention in lecture it isn't too hard. He is hilarious and well-spoken, has lectures down to a science (pun intended). Makes me wish I majored in AOS.

Respected
Inspirational
Amazing lectures
5.0
3.0
AOS100
Grade: A-
Jul 8, 2019
Would take again

Martin's class is a delight! It isn't an "easy A", but as long as you pay attention in class and read the textbook, you'll be fine. His lectures are engaging and he's hilarious. He actually cares about his students. He's really busy so office hours are packed but AOS100 was one of my favorite classes and professors I've taken yet. 10/10 recommend.

Clear grading criteria
Hilarious
Amazing lectures
5.0
3.0
AOS100
Grade: A
Apr 23, 2020
Would take again

I LOVE HIM. I went into this class not ver excited about science, but he really made it fun and exciting for me. I actually looked forward to going to his class. He is funny, caring, and very knowledgeable. The class is graded on 4 exams and 6 homework assignments. I would 100% take another class of his.

Test heavy
Hilarious
Amazing lectures
5.0
3.0
AOS100
Grade: A
Apr 26, 2020
Would take again

Professor Martin is a really great lecturer and seems like a really nice guy. I took his class almost entirely because of what I'd heard about him and I was not disappointed. The class isn't too hard if you take a little bit of time to study and actually try on the homework assignments. Definitely recommend him.

3.0
4.0
AOS100
Grade: B
May 4, 2020
Would take again

This class was definitely one of the more difficult I have had to take. I am not a science major, and I thought this class was going to be an easy physical science credit - I was sorely mistaken! Prof. Martin's lectures were often difficult to understand in the context that he moves quickly though material. Make sure to read up in the textbook!

Respected
Test heavy
Lecture heavy
5.0
3.0
AOS100
Grade: B
May 5, 2020
Would take again

One of the best professors of my freshman year. Very knowledgable and passionate about what he teaches. I needed a science credit to fulfill my gen eds, as I am a business major, and I could not have asked for a better class or professor. Take him if you can!

Clear grading criteria
Amazing lectures
Lecture heavy
5.0
1.0
AOS101
Grade: A+
Jun 5, 2020
Would take again

Absolutely amazing.

Hilarious
Amazing lectures
Caring
5.0
3.0
AOS100
Grade: A-
May 2, 2021
Would take again

Professor Martin was super awesome and clearly cares about what he does. I never used the book even though it was "required" and still did very well based off the lecture videos. I took this during an online semester so I am sure that the experience could have been better but I still enjoyed it.

Accessible outside class
Clear grading criteria
Lecture heavy
1.0
3.0
AOS100
Grade: B
May 12, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Ugh, what a terrible class. Please do not take this class. Contrary to other reviews which I followed and deeply regret. This class was terrible. It was very test heavy and the homework was impossible to get a good grade on and it frankly had nothing to do with the class itself. I would definetly not recommend taking this class.

Test heavy
5.0
4.0
AOS101
Jun 14, 2021
Would take again

Homework is a lot harder than the actual exams but his passion for teaching this course is remarkable. Also his jokes are actually good.

5.0
3.0
AOS100
Grade: A
Jul 24, 2021
Would take again

This class wasn't easy, but it wasn't insanely difficult either. As long as you attend the lectures, you should be ok. Homework is much harder than the tests. Professor Martin is great, and going to office hours is super helpful!!

Accessible outside class
Skip class? You won't pass.
Caring
5.0
4.0
AOS100
Grade: A-
Apr 14, 2022
Would take again

Lecture is engaging and interesting. Heard the class was super easy but that is not the case. Not insanely difficult but not a super easy A. Homework is difficult and exams are challenging, studying is pretty necessary. Other than that I absolutely love the class simply because of how passionate he is. Humor is genuinely funny but not excessive.

Gives good feedback
Graded by few things
Accessible outside class
5.0
3.0
AOS100
Grade: Not sure yet
May 6, 2022
Would take again

Attend lectures, read the easy and short textbook, and put time and thought into the homework and you will no doubt get an A. Prof Martin is an excellent teacher and at the very last lecture everything comes together in an amazing way. You will never be able to think about the weather the same again.

Amazing lectures
Hilarious
Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
AOS101
May 13, 2022

Martin holds entertaining lectures 3x a week for his course. However, with the entertainment comes a huge lack of teaching ability. You can attend class everyday and study the textbook and still get terrible grades on exams. Exams are worth 75% of the grade and he is very comfortable letting the average exam score be a C on each test. My Grade: AB

Tough grader
Test heavy
2.0
4.0
AOS101
Grade: B-
May 19, 2022

tests are worth 75% of grade and the tests were fairly difficult. homework and lab (for 101 section) is only 25%, which is much easier than the 3 tests and one final. definitely do not recommend, especially if science or test taking is hard for you.

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
Accessible outside class
5.0
4.0
AOS100
Grade: A-
Apr 25, 2023
Would take again

Prof. Martin is a great professor, really passionate and just a really good guy. Lectures are kind of fast paced, and the course is really physics heavy which was hard for me, it was kinda boring but he made it as interesting as weather can be. His textbook was extremely useful though, very concise, very good for studying and the homework.

Amazing lectures
Test heavy
Graded by few things
4.0
4.0
AOS101
Grade: B
May 16, 2023

Wonderful guy and prof, but a deceptively hard class, especially for non-STEM majors. Lectures are rather fast-paced, though sometimes reiterated verbatim in the textbook. Homework is spaced out and only a few questions apiece. He's accessible outside of class if you have questions. Bonus points for the charming Boston accent.

Respected
Test heavy
Graded by few things
5.0
3.0
AOS101
Grade: Not sure yet
Apr 19, 2024
Would take again

Prof. Martin is such an engaging, passionate, entertaining lecturer. His slides made all the content digestible. He genuinely cares for his students, always took time to answer every question, and deliberately scanned the room to make sure he didn't miss any hands. He's probably the best professor I've ever had and deserves all the praise.

Amazing lectures
Inspirational
Caring
5.0
3.0
AOS100
Grade: B
May 8, 2024
Would take again

Jon was a knowledgeable and passionate professor. His way of teaching kept me engaged and he always answered any questions with the best of his ability. While lectures are important, the textbook was BY FAR the best study material for the tests. The homework assignments every other week were a little challenging so make sure to ask questions.

Amazing lectures
Gives good feedback
Test heavy
5.0
3.0
AOS100
Grade: B+
Jan 1, 2025
Would take again

Professor Martin is an engaging and passionate instructor. The lectures are informative, and the textbook is a great study resource. Homework can be challenging, but with consistent effort and using tools like unstuck study for prep, you can succeed in this course.

5.0
2.0
AOS100
Grade: A-
Feb 20, 2025
Would take again

A great lecturer, a kind person, and a super fun class. It can be a bit tough but he is super helpful in office hours. Got me super engaged as a student, community member, and weather enthusiast!

1.0
1.0
ATMOCN100
Grade: Not sure yet
May 5, 2025

I have really enjoyed this course and Prof. Martin is amazing. However, a huge mistake was made when grading class work. The entire classes grades were incorrectly weighted, therefore the grades were incorrectly listed on canvas for the entire semester up until the week before finals. Several classmates reported entire letter grade changes. Not ok.

5.0
3.0
AOS100
Grade: B
May 19, 2025
Would take again

Prof. Martin is a great prof he gives very informative and entertaining lectures. Though, these entertaining lectures can leave you with a false sense of security for the exams make sure you spend time doing the homework and reading the textbook will be invaluable for you.

Amazing lectures
Caring
Test heavy
5.0
4.0
AOS101
Grade: A
May 19, 2025
Would take again

Good lectures, exams of expected difficulty for a science course. Very good professor who is engaging and really cares. Homework assignments were difficult but made you think in interesting ways and you had plenty of time to consult others and complete them. Really good for physical science requirement!

Lecture heavy
Graded by few things
5.0
3.0
AOS100
Grade: B+
May 19, 2025
Would take again

Professor Martin teaches an incredible class. He is so deeply invested in the material that it's like watching someone explain their favorite movie every day. His eyes light up with each concept. This is probably the hardest GenEd you will take at UW Madison but Professor Martin makes it extremely easy to know what to study.

Amazing lectures
Hilarious
Caring
5.0
2.0
WEATHER101
Grade: A
Oct 1, 2025
Would take again

Took his class 5 years ago but just saw a post about him so I'm coming back to leave this review in hopes someone reads it and takes one of his classes. I still remember this class being one of the best classes I've taken, so many years later, not to mention I probably only remember a couple other of my professors in all of my classes.

Amazing lectures
Inspirational
Hilarious
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

38%

Textbook Required

40%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

A-

95% confidence
Based on 39 grades
Most common grades:
A (18)
A- (10)
B (6)
Grade Distribution
A(20)B(7)C(0)D(0)F(0)A-/B+(12)
Based on 43 reported grades
A: 18
A-: 10
B: 6
Not sure yet: 4
Common Tags
Amazing lectures (15)
Hilarious (15)
Respected (11)
Inspirational (9)
Test heavy (8)
Clear grading criteria (7)
Amazing lectures (7)
Caring (6)
Rating Trend

Stable

-0.14 avg change
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Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

ATM100

5.0

(2)

WEATHER101

5.0

(2)

AOS452

5.0

(2)

ATMOSPHERE100

5.0

(1)

AOS100

4.7

(80)
+4 more courses
Difficulty by Course

AOS452

4.0

ATMOC101

4.0

AOS101

2.7

ATM100

2.5

ATM101

2.5

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