First Graders Ask a Weather Expert!
by Rosie Spangenberg
May 27, 2010
Ryan McPike, meteorologist from Channel 3 News, visited with Mrs. Beckner's first graders recently. The students had been studying the weather, and consulted with the weather forcast daily. When several questions came up, a student suggested that they "consult an expert." The students wrote to Mr. McPike, and he was able to visit Kreft to answer the questions in person!
Mrs. Beckner commented, "His visit made such an impact on the students. They first had to formulate their questions, and then use interviewing skills to find out the answers. Writing and speaking for a purpose is so much more powerful than just listening to me hand out information!"
The students shared what they liked about his visit. "I liked how he talked about storms," said one. Another was excited to hear about the weather from Mr. McPike in person.Questions that were answered ranged from "Why is the sun hot?" to "What is the eye of a storm?"The first graders will continue to be weather watchers!
