By Mike Hutchens, UC Schools Communications Director
What’s the weather like outside?
A commonly asked question for all ages, Union City Elementary School 3rd grade science students recently completed a study unit that answered many of their own curiosities.
Stephanie Carpenter’s classes learned of multiple cloud types associated with different weather patterns and conditions and also studied the origins and aftermath of natural disasters – many of which are associated with the weather.
At the conclusion of the classroom instruction, Mrs. Carpenter invited local weather enthusiast Brent Callicott to share his knowledge and experience with students.
“As a teacher, I always try to associate and connect what we are learning in class to the real world,” Carpenter said. “I felt it was important to share with them the natural disasters and extreme weather we have experienced in our area over the last few months.
“I made sure we included the terrible flooding in Rives, the tornado damage in Samburg and Dresden, and even the tennis ball size hail that I got pictures of at my house in Martin.”
For his part, Callicott used several photos and slides to demonstrate varying degrees of weather-related natural disasters. He also showcased many of his personal weather gadgets and tools used to gather information and predict future storms.
Callicott repeated one of his favorite sayings, “When thunder roars, go indoors,” often when explaining weather and natural disasters experienced in the immediate area. He also warned of the danger of floods, saying: “The power of water is incredible.”
Mrs. Carpenter enjoyed her students’ interaction with Callicott and deemed the study a huge success after his presentation.
“I follow Brent(Brent’s Weather Page) on social media, so I knew that his knowledge would be just what these kids needed,” she said. “It was amazing to see these kids soak up all he had to say.”