2010 February

Jeff’s trip to Parkersburg

Many thanks to the folks in Parkersburg! I got to visit with the 3rd graders at Parkersburg Elementary on Tuesday, February 23. We looked at pictures of the solar system and saw how the Earth looks pretty small when compared to Jupiter and the Sun. We talked about how important the Sun is when it comes to our weather. We also looked “behind the scenes” at KWWL and saw how the newscast happens every day.

It was COLD in Parkersburg!

Parkersburg Elementary School

There is snow high and low in Parkersburg!

Welcome to Parkersburg!

Watch the Parkersburg students!

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This post was written by jkennedy on February 28, 2010

Jeff’s Trip to Waukon

I got to make a road trip to Allamakee County on Monday, February 22. Mr. Joe O’Neill teaches 5th grade at East Elementary in Waukon. I have been a guest in his classroom for about 5 straight years, and Mr. O’Neill always has a good group of students. We learned about our planet’s place in the solar system, and saw how the Earth is much bigger than a couple planets…much smaller than some others. We also saw how our Sun is quite a small star when compared to some of the big stars like Betelguese and Antares. We saw how important the Sun is when it comes to the weather here on Earth! The students had some really good questions, too. After class I got free school lunch! Burgers and criss-cut fries…Yum…can’t beat it. Thanks to the folks in Waukon for a nice visit.

East Elementary in Waukon

Look at all the snow in Waukon!

No wonder it was so cold!

Looks like Winter in Waukon!Waukon wlecomes you...

Click here to see the Waukon 5th graders…

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This post was written by jkennedy on February 24, 2010

Where can I get trained to be a storm spotter?

This is dangerous!

Don’t get caught off-guard like this woman! Learn about severe local storms and tornadoes! Attend a training class near you! Each year the National Weather Service holds classes to teach the public about the dangers of spring and summer weather.

Here are some useful links…you can find a class near you.

Click here for Classes in Southeastern Iowa, Western Illinois and Northern Missouri

Click here for Classes in Central Iowa

Click here for Classes in Northeastern Iowa, Southwestern Wisconsin and Southern Minnesota

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This post was written by jkennedy on February 17, 2010

Jeff’s visit to St. Edward’s

The sixth graders at St. Edward’s School in Waterloo have been studying weather for quite some time now. I got to visit with them on Wednesday. We talked about the Earth and how it compares in size to the other planets. We also saw how our Sun is quite small when compared to other stars. We learned how the Sun is the “engine” that runs the weather. We also saw how the Earth/Sun relaionships cause our seasons to change.

It was sunny, but COLD at school!

A beautiful church...a Waterloo landmark

St. Edward’s Take 1

St. Edward’s Take 2

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This post was written by jkennedy on February 13, 2010

Jeff’s trip to Brooklyn

It was a nice sunny day when I visited BGM school in Brooklyn. The 5th graders at BGM have been studying weather and they had some good questions for me. While at school we learned about how we put the newscast on the air each day. We also talked about storms and some of the tools that I get to use when I make my weather forecast. Thanks, BGM!