For many Alberta students, the daily forecast is no longer just background noise that their parents pay attention to; it’s become a hands-on look into the natural forces that shape the world around them. The Weather in the Classroom project, a long-standing joint initiative of the Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) and CTV, brings the fascinating world of weather directly to the next generation of learners.
The program is designed to align with the Alberta Grade 5 curriculum, where students explore weather patterns and earth systems. Rather than simply reading about barometric pressure or the water cycle in a textbook, students get to engage with professional meteorologists, like CTV’s Josh Classen in Edmonton or Danielle Savoni in Calgary. These experts provide real-world context to classroom theories, explaining how data is collected, how forecasts are built and how shifting climate patterns affect our local environment.
To accommodate the diverse needs of students, the project offers several interactive formats:
- In-studio experiences: Classes can visit CTV studios to see the magic of the “green screen” first-hand and learn how a live broadcast comes together.
- In-class visits: CTV’s meteorologists travel to schools, bringing specialized equipment and engaging stories from the field.
- Virtual lessons: Using digital platforms, the program reaches rural and remote Alberta communities, ensuring that geographical barriers don’t limit educational opportunities.
The partnership between CTV and the ATA highlights a shared commitment to public education. By sponsoring morning weather segments and encouraging teachers to submit student photos and work for air, the project celebrates the amazing work happening in Alberta’s public education system. It turns the local news into a digital gallery of student achievement, fostering a sense of community pride.
