Matt Hinkin
Learn more about the science of weather prediction from Matt Hinkin, WATE TV 6 Storm Team Chief Meteorologist by attending his presentation at the Blount County Public Library on Saturday, February 20, at 2 p.m.
Hinkin, celebrating 25 years at Channel 6 TV, has a strong commitment to forecasting the weather for the greater Knoxville community. He will discuss some of the factors involved in the science of his career and some of the anecdotes – such as when he stayed at the station for five continuous days during the Blizzard of 1993.
This program, appropriate for all ages, will be in the Main Gallery of the library, and is a part of the series of presentations related to the “Discover Earth: Our Changing Planet” exhibition, a traveling science exhibition grant, that is on display at the library through April 27.
The “Discover Earth” exhibition focuses on earth science topics—such as the differences between weather and climate, water cycle effects, and ecosystem changes. Discover how local environmental changes impact our global environment. The exhibit is divided into three areas: A) Our Changing Planet, B) Ecosystems: The Web of Life, and C) Environmental Change at Home. Exhibit components incorporate personal narratives, stunning graphics, video, animations, and simulation-based educational games.
One of the modules permits the visitor to select a geographic location (Florida, Colorado, the Northeast) and a period of time (present, 5,000 years in the past or 5,000 years in the future) and then the visitor can produce a simulated television weather broadcast based on the information gained from the interactive exhibit.
When visiting the exhibition, plan to spend at least one to two hours or plan several visits. Because there are many interactive exhibits, plan sufficient time to explore the numerous topics and sciences.
The exhibition is free and open to the public during library hours, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Thursday; 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday; and 1 to 5:30 p.m. on Sundays.
Discover Earth: Our Changing Planet was developed by Space Science Institute’s National Center for Interactive Learning (NCIL), the American Library Association’s Public Programs Office, the Lunar and Planetary Institute and the Afterschool Alliance. This project was made possible through support from the National Science Foundation. It is a part of NCIL’s STAR Library Education Network (STAR_Net).
Open to the public, this program is hosted by the Blount County Public Library, located at 508 N. Cusick Street, Maryville, where services are an example of your tax dollars at work for you.
For further information about library programs or services, call the library at 982-0981 or visit the Web site at www.blountlibrary.org . To sign up to receive a monthly calendar by email, go to the library’s Home Page and type your email address in the box at the top right that says “Email for library news.”
