Bethpage's elementary school students recently had the exciting opportunity to learn about weather from a real meteorologist when Samantha Augeri visited Central Boulevard, Charles Campagne and Kramer Lane elementary schools with her educational program, Sam's Weather School.
Ms. Augeri, an Emmy Award-winning meteorologist with over 20 years of experience, most recently with News 12, brought her passion for weather science directly to Bethpage's youngest learners. Currently pursuing her master's degree to become an Earth Science teacher, she tours local schools to share her love of meteorology and inspire students to see themselves as future scientists.
During her engaging presentation, Ms. Augeri introduced students to different types of weather phenomena, using an age-appropriate pop-up book to illustrate dramatic examples like tornadoes and hurricanes. The visual format helped make these powerful weather events accessible and exciting for young minds without being overwhelming.
The visit included hands-on learning experiences that brought weather science to life. Ms. Augeri demonstrated practical experiments showing how tornadoes and other weather patterns form when different air pressures collide. Students watched in wonder as these simplified models helped them understand complex atmospheric processes.
One of the highlights of the presentation was giving students the chance to step into the role of meteorologists themselves. Taking turns with a professional microphone in front of a green screen, the children experienced what it's like to deliver a weather forecast themselves.
Ms. Augeri also showcased various meteorological instruments, explaining how scientists measure rainfall, wind speed, and other weather conditions. This hands-on introduction to scientific tools helped students understand how weather forecasting actually works.
Making the lesson particularly relevant and timely, Ms. Augeri shared a satellite image of Hurricane Melissa, which had recently passed through Jamaica. She explained how this storm system would affect local weather conditions on Long Island, helping students connect global weather events to their own experiences with wind and rain.
The interactive presentation was a resounding success, with students thoroughly enjoying the opportunity to learn from a professional meteorologist. By combining scientific knowledge with engaging demonstrations and hands-on activities, Ms. Augeri succeeded in making weather science both educational and entertaining for Bethpage's elementary students.
