News 4 Chief Meteorologist Steve Templeton talked weather with Twin Oaks Middle Schoolers

​By Amanda Compton


KMOV Chief Meteorologist Steve Templeton visited the Twin Oaks campus today to talk with the middle schoolers about weather as well as the science that drives it.


Templeton, who is the evening forecaster for St. Louis’ News 4,  said he visits area schools in an effort to “demystify” science so that one day students may choose to pursue a career in meteorology. He spoke of how various types of severe weather form including tornadoes and thunderstorms, hurricanes, flash floods and even a squall, a sharp increase in sustained winds.


“Weather doesn’t just tie into science, weather is science,” said Templeton, in response to a student’s question about how science directly correlates to weather. He went on to explain that it takes science to understand the weather and that math is used to affirm science, referring to math as the “language of science.”


He also addressed a student’s question about the theory of Global Warming, explaining that the globe is in fact warming but that more science is needed to determine exactly why. “My question is, ‘Is man able to affect the temperatures of something as complex and vast as our globe?'” said Templeton, who earned a degree in Atmospheric Science from Purdue University in Indiana. “I don’t know. This is something that your generation will definitely have to address.”


In encouraging the students to persevere in their studies, Templeton pointed out that although he went into meteorology, he wasn’t always good at math. In fact, during a semester at college, he said he hired a tutor to help him better understand this particular subject. “You can always catch up in any subject,” noted Templeton. “You just may have to work harder, which is good, especially if you get the job you love.”


Templeton said that by now many of the students know which subjects they like and dislike and this process of elimination will likely continue into high school. “Find the things you like, go to college and get a job you love,” advised Templeton. “If you love what you do the money will follow.”


Templeton was invited to Twin Oaks by Middle School Science Teacher Dr. Kristen Levin, who watches News 4 every evening and has always enjoyed the pictures he shares of himself alongside students he visited earlier in the day.


“I happened to be on the the News 4 website and decided to put in a request for him to visit Twin Oaks and he responded very quickly,” said Dr. Levin. “The kids and I were so excited. He was so entertaining, gracious and genuine.”


Dr. Levin said she hopes Templeton’s visit puts a face to a profession in which science is prevalent and that it encourages some of her students to engage the sciences in the future.


Templeton will share the Twin Oaks pictures this evening after the 7-day forecast at 4:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.


“I learned a lot about severe weather and how it is formed.” ~Kayden Stokes

“I thought it was interesting how the eye of a hurricane is completely calm, clear and sunny.” ~Jeremy Nguyen

“My favorite part was about lightning.” ~Jack St. John

“I enjoyed how animated Steve was and his sound effects. I think I’d like to minor in astronomy.” ~Yemi Daramola
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“He was so funny and I liked how he explained everything so I could understand it.” ~Hannah Nguyen