Severe storm researcher Tim Samaras recently visited Rossman School third through sixth grade students to share dramatic tales and footage from his adventures, as well as bits of scientific insight gained along the way.
For more than 20 years Samaras has been following his passion of chasing storms to better understand and predict their path.
Highlights of the assembly, which was presented in association with National Geographic Live, included Samaras’ accounts of chasing the rain-cloaked EF-4 tornado that tore through St. Louis’ Lambert Field in April 2011 and the multiple-vortex EF-5 tornado that devastated Joplin, Mo., the following month. Students also were captivated by stories and footage of Samaras’ use of HITPR probes to collect measurements from inside tornados.
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Samaras also shared footage of lightning strikes taken by the world’s fastest high-resolution camera, allowing students a rare opportunity to see lightning caught in the act.
Following his presentation, Samaras dined with science teacher Ruth Grote and members of the Rossman School Student Council. Throughout his visit, Samaras spoke with each of the fourth through sixth grade classes.