NBC meteorologist Chris Cimino joins first-graders at Solomon Schechter Day School of Raritan Valley and their teachers Carrie Cowit, left, and Michal Shmuel.
Photo by Debra Rubin
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February 3, 2009
First-graders at the Solomon Schechter Day School of Raritan Valley got some expert instruction on the weather and climate when they were visited by NBC meteorologist Chris Cimino.
Students taught by Carrie Cowit and Michal Shmuel watched on Jan. 22 as Cimino drew maps of the United States on the blackboard and talked about the elements and how meteorologists forecast the weather. Each child received an autographed weather graphic that had been shown on air.
Cimino is the meteorologist on WNBC’s Today in New York and Weekend Today Saturday and substitute meteorologist for NBC’s Today Show.
Children at the East Brunswick school sat fascinated as Cimino talked about the use of computers and the meteorologist’s skills in predicting the weather.
“Sometimes the wind changes speed,” Cimino said as he explained how storms are tracked. “That can make the storm go slower or faster.”
When calculating weather in the metropolitan area, there are factors that wouldn’t be an issue in other parts of the country.
“We all live near something really close,” said Cimino. “It’s big and wet. What is it?”
After one boy shouted out “the ocean,” the weatherman went on to explain how the ocean temperature is often warmer than the surrounding air, affecting whether we get snow or rain.
The children had lots of questions for Cimino, himself an East Brunswick resident. However, they were puzzled by his answer when he was asked what was the most interesting thing he ever had to forecast. He paused for a second and replied, “Hurricane Katrina.”
The first-graders, all of whom apparently were too young to remember the catastrophic 2005 storm, looked at each other and shrugged their shoulders.
Cimino said he loved his job because it was different each day, but acknowledged the worst part was waking up at 2 a.m. to get to work in the wee hours of the morning.
Her urged the youngsters to explore various professions, including meteorology.
“There’s no reason why you can’t begin thinking about being a meteorologist or scientist who may cure illnesses,” said Cimino. “You should begin talking to people about different jobs and see where you might like to work when you grow up.”
Afterward Cimino said he enjoyed talking to students. “I’ve visited children and teachers in schools throughout the area. We cover the tri-state region so it’s nice to reach out to as many communities as possible throughout the metropolitan area.”
The children were excited about Cimino’s visit.
Noah Kamens of Highland Park said he was so impressed that he thought he wanted to be a meteorologist when he grew up.
“A meteorologist is very important because we wouldn’t know what to wear,” he added. “We need to know what to wear.”
Sarah Herman of East Brunswick said the most important thing she learned during the presentation was not to go under a tree when there is lightning.
“You could get hurt,” she said. “I did know that already but it is very important for everybody to know.”
Scott Rubin of Somerset said he found the presentation to be “very fun and interesting.”
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