Local meteorologist gives weather lesson to elementary students

Erie meteorologist Kelly Roland explains cloud types and formations to elementary students at Tracy Elementary in Millcreek Township School District.

Local Erie meteorologist Kelly Roland visited Tracy Elementary 3rd graders to wrap up their weather unit. She explained the differences in clouds, shared photos she’s taken of cloud formations in the area and had students try to identify what kind of clouds were in the photos. Students loved the presentation and getting the opportunity to ask her questions about various weather phenomena like thunderstorms, lightning, hurricanes and tornadoes.

Kelly also explained to students what meteorology is, what a day at her job typically looks like and what other careers can be explored in the field. She briefly overviewed other careers like forensic atmospheric science and storm chasing. Students were particularly intrigued by the idea of professional storm chasing as a career. Kelly emphasized the safety measures taken by storm chasers and that storm chasing should be left to professionals.

The visit left students with a better understanding of cloud formations and excited about their new knowledge of careers in weather.