WHO-TV Channel 13's Partnership with The Science Center of Iowa

WHO-TV Channel 13 and The Science Center of Iowa and IMAX Dome Theater have partnered to present a live remote weather studio in the new Science Center where meteorologists broadcast weather live. Visitors to the Channel 13 Weather Center will not only be able to watch the weather as it is forecast and broadcast live, but will also be able to interact with meteorologists and learn about weather tracking technology.

The WHO Science Center Weather Studio is a featured element at the new Science Center in the second floor "What on Earth?" experience platform , an area focused on the Earth and our relationship to it. "What on Earth?" is presented by Pioneer Hi-Bred International and is one of six experience platforms that will house hands-on, interactive, and cutting-edge science and technology at the new Science Center facility.

Channel 13 is broadcasting the weather live from the WHO Science Center Weather Studio weekdays at noon, 5 PM, and 6 PM and on Saturday mornings.  Visitors to SCI will be able to witness these live weather broadcasts, and interact with the experts to learn more about weather and weather tracking technology, and get a taste of television and the "magic green screen."

Forming this partnership with WHO-TV will allow SCI to provide our participants opportunities to experience hands-on science in a whole new way, said Mary Sellers, Executive Director of the Science Center of Iowa. The weather studio will create a link between meteorology and the everyday life of Iowans and is a perfect example of how the new SCI will help make science relevant and dynamic for all who visit.

The WHO Science Center Weather Studio is also an excellent opportunity for SCI visitors to experience the First Alert MEGA Doppler Radar , the most advanced radar technology available. Visitors from across the state will also have the opportunity to ask questions about the ways weather affects their lives.

I m so excited about the chance to talk with central Iowa kids&of all ages&about weather, said WHO-TV Chief meteorologist Ed Wilson. This is a wonderful opportunity for us to showcase our state-of-the-art radar technology within this incredible, new, state-of-the-art facility.

This partnership between WHO-TV and SCI was formed in response to feedback from the community on the importance of weather to Iowans, and the desire to have real science happening at the new Science Center of Iowa.

This is a perfect match for WHO-TV, the new Science Center of Iowa and the community, said Jim Boyer, General Manager of WHO-TV. Weather continues to be an important part of our Iowa life which is why we ve made such a huge investment in Iowa s most powerful radar and in teaching the community how it works through this valuable outreach at the new Science Center.

For teachers and students visiting the Science Center the studio will provide an excellent learning tool. This partnership will help students make the connection between science and the real world, said Mark Twedt of the Rockwell-Swaledale School District. It will also allow teachers to incorporate cross-curriculum links beyond science including: writing, speech, and geography.

As a center devoted to lifelong learning, the new SCI will feature six dynamic experience platforms and a changing exhibitions platform where visitors can explore and experiment. It will place the power of learning in the hands of the visitor and the programmatic emphasis will not be on what to learn, but how to learn. In addition to the core experience platforms, the new Center will showcase a 220-seat 70 IMAX Dome Theater, a 140-seat Science Adventure Theater featuring live performances, and a 50 foot star dome theater. The Iowa Learning Center will house the educational programs for the Center held in Cyber Labs and will feature resources for educators and students, the renowned preschool, early childhood learning programs, outreach and distance learning programs.