Pandemic Pivots WCVB’s Weather Team School Visits

After years of in-person school visits, WCVB Channel 5 Boston meteorologist Kelly Ann Cicalese got creative out of the classroom with virtual science. Pivoting to develop a fun, educational and interactive virtual presentation that explains the science behind weather, Cicalese was able to incorporate in-studio equipment, such as the chroma key.

“Students are fascinated by green screen technology. They really respond. I also ask more questions and conduct virtual polls,” said Cicalese, who adjusts the curriculum for preschoolers to high school students.

The presentation begins with an introduction to the station and the StormTeam 5 weather team, and then explains how forecasts are created. It’s a great community outreach and going virtual has enabled more flexibility. The 30- to 60-minute sessions often include a behind-the-scenes studio tour, but always end with an engaged question-and-answer period.

“The questions at the end are my favorite part,” said Cicalese. “The students are insightful and give fantastic feedback, which is very rewarding. You get to see how captivated they are and how much information they retain.”

Photo: SAG-AFTRA New England member Kelly Ann Cicalese, meteorologist with WCVB, presents virtually to an earth sciences class at Bridgewater-Raynham Regional High School on Nov. 10, 2021. Photo by Russ Nelligan/ECVB Channel 5 Boston.
 
This item was originally featured in the SAG-AFTRA magazine spring 2022 issue.