Tim filming thunderstorm development.

Working on The JASON Project with our Host Researcher Tim Samaras, all of the Student Argonauts and the incredible JASON staff has truly been a once-in-a-lifetime event. As a teacher, I always evaluate my experiences very critically, and everything this week has been top notch, all the way down to ordering the perfect thunderstorms for our outdoor classrooms with Tim Samaras. I started my Denver Field Assignment knowing very little about thunderstorm and tornado dynamics.  However, all that has changed thanks to the incredible patience of Tim Samaras. This guy loves science. His passion for science is only equaled by his concern for the experiences of others. This point was really driven home when Tim told one of our JASON Argonauts, during a ride in his storm chasing truck, “I want questions throughout the trip; there should be no dead time.” The amazing part is that Tim really meant what he said, and this enthusiasm was not just saved for students alone but was shared with everyone

A line of tornado probes.

involved, from the cameraman to the coordinator.

 

Teachers can always be heard repeating the old phrase “knowledge is power.” The problem is knowledge is not always readily available when you need it, or access is too difficult, if possible at all. However, this is not the case when you travel with Tim Samaras. Being with Tim over the last few days has been like having your own up-to-date weather reference at your fingertips.  I live for questions, and Tim lives for making answers. We got along perfectly.  After peppering Tim with a million and one questions for a couple of hours on our first day, we ventured out to a bluff overlooking downtown Denver to watch thunderstorms build, move, and eventually die. That experience itself was too cool, but being able to ask Tim questions as the drama unfolded was icing on the cake. I got to play the part of a student with Tim as the teacher, and I milked it for all it was worth. “What does that mean? Will those clouds come together? Why is the sky a deeper blue after the storm?” These questions and many more were answered that day. The second day was no different. I’ve learned more about thunderstorms, tornadoes, and simple weather patterns in the last two days than I have in a long time.  

 

I whole-heartedly recommend and highly encourage teachers to apply for a slot as a JASON Teacher Argonaut. You will go to incredible destinations, work with the premier people, and learn more about yourself than you ever thought possible. What a great way to jumpstart your teaching experience or add fuel to your already existing passion.