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October 2nd, 2006
BRADENTON - As a meteorologist and on-air weather man for Bay News 9, Joshua Linker relies on the latest in science and technology to perform his job on a daily basis.
So, when Linker spent part of a recent afternoon speaking to the students in Emilee Vermilion's Science Class at Lee Middle School in Bradenton, the students listened intently to what he had to say.
“We just started a unit on hurricanes and he was able to talk about the science of hurricanes and to answer a lot of the kids' questions and concerns,” Vermilion said. “His visit meant a lot to the kids and his talk really made the whole unit come to life.”
Linker's visit to Lee Middle was an extension of a program called “Project Weather.” The program, which was initiated by Bay News 9 a year ago and first implemented in Manatee County Schools, is now being expanded to other counties in the Bay News 9 coverage area.
As part of Project Weather, Bay News 9 sends Science Kits to teachers like Vermilion. The science kits contain a hurricane tracking chart, a ruler with weather related information, a severe weather test for students to take and a DVD about severe weather.
If a science teacher would like to have Linker or another member of the Bay News 9 weather staff visit the school, they can do so by scheduling a time through the station's Community Relations Department.
During Linker's visit to Lee Middle, Bay News 9 also sent their specially equipped “Storm Cruiser” van for the students to check out.
One of the things Linker told the Lee students was that satellite technology used to forecast the weather was constantly being improved and future advances might extend the warning time for possible tornadoes from 8-10 minutes to 20-25 minutes.
The students at Lee said they were impressed with what they heard and saw from Linker.
“I learned a lot of things about how they use technology,” said 7th grader Gissel Molina. “It was really nice that they came to our school; and he was funny.”
Linker said he enjoys talking to young people about his job and the weather.
“I've been interested in the weather since I was a kid so it's great to be able to share that interest with these students,” Linker said. “Our hope is that Project Weather will increase the interest in science and inspire students to become more focused on their studies.”
To find out more about Project Weather, you can contact Bay News 9 Community Relations Manager Debby Taylor at 727-329-2345.
Bay News 9 meteorologist Joshua Linker speaks to students at Lee Middle School