Weather lesson captivates Rehoboth Elementary students

Rehoboth Elementary third-graders peppered WMDT Chief Meteorologist Rich Wirdzek with questions about weather patterns, storm preparedness and prediction tools during a lively presentation Jan. 5.

With an expert readily available, students asked a host of questions, including what to do if you live in a mobile home and receive a tornado warning, how satellites work and how dust storms form.

“They would have asked questions all day,” laughed teacher Krissy Wood.

Wirdzek reminded students that just a year ago, snow had blanketed the region. An excited murmur rose from students when Wirdzek said they would probably have a delay or miss a day of school this winter due to snow.

Extreme weather frightened him as a child, Wirdzek said, but also piqued his interest.

“I wanted to find out: Is this stuff really scary or is it something I can learn about so I can know it’s happening before it gets to my house so I know what to do,” he said.

Now, he said, he enjoys jumping in the WMDT van and chasing storms. As a meteorologist, Wirdzek told students he is responsible for informing people about bad weather so they can stay safe. 

Wirdzek explained the different technology meteorologists use to predict weather, including radar and anemometers, which measure wind speed, and what to do in the case of a thunderstorm, hurricane or tornado.

Wood said the presentation was a perfect complement to a unit on weather and climate students are studying in class. Students selected weather phenomena such as tornadoes, hurricanes or blizzards to research, she said.

“They are answering questions such as what tools are used to predict the event, identify and describe, what are the causes, understanding the water cycle, what impacts it has on society, and how can we reduce the impact of the storms in our community,” she said.

At the end of the unit, Wood said, students will create an informational book with all of the data they have collected. 

“They have worked hard and are really enjoying learning all of this,” she said.