5.5
Nature Revealed
Anthony J. Derda Jr., CG Development, Amarillo, TX
My presentation will be an introduction of a new teaching tool. The tool is a table top, three dimensional, hands-on, operational model of a tornado and its parent super-cell storm cloud. The model stands alone on a table and is approximately 3 feet tall, 2 feet wide, and 1.5 feet deep. However, when open in a split or bisected orientation, its width is 4 feet wide. The protective covering of the model can be used as a picture/pin-up board and is optional as part of the entire display.
When closed the model displays a number of aspects of the storm such as the overall look and relative size and labeled parts of the super-cell, the rotating tornado, rain,hail areas and its reflective radar footprint, wind inflow/outflow and its consequences.
When the model is opened it displays the general cloud composition, some of the wind events going on inside including the up and downdrafts, shear and rotation. Also displayed is the "towards and away" wind vectors of the tight rotation of the vortex within the cloud and a dopplar radar picture showing the Tornado Vorticity Signiture. The model will further show how winds react below the storm and where a person/family would seek protection in the now split and visible model home.
In brief...that's the model. It holds a large amount of teaching possibilities to the presenter. I am not going to try to teach the audience about this particular event. Rather I present this model as a tool to be used on their jobs. This model could be used at presentations to their school groups, professional groups, storm safety programs, spotter training courses, displays at career and science related fairs and conferences, and as a promotional item to increase viewership in their home market.
I merely wish to let fellow Broadcasters/Meteorologists know that a tool such as this is available and could be a tremendous asset to their efforts to better reach/teach/entertain their audience.
My presentation would include the actual model and slides or a video that would allow a close-up look of the model to coincide with the explanation.
Session 5, Vendor Session: Part I
Wednesday, 26 June 2002, 4:45 PM-6:00 PM
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