Michael Erb
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Michael Erb

Atmospheric Science
and Climatology

Kelvin McCloud and the Seaside Storm

To interested kids in weather and encourage the next generation of scientists, I wrote a book which combines fascinating scientific topics with an exciting murder mystery narrative.  The book, published in 2012, is called Kelvin McCloud and the Seaside Storm.

The goal of the book is to teach young readers about atmospheric science topics and get them interested in learning more.  One of the main characters, Kelvin McCloud, is a weather detective - someone who solves crimes using their knowledge of weather and science.  When he and his nephew receive a mysterious note in the middle of the night, they are drawn to a coastal New Jersey town where a wealthy banker was killed in a hailstorm.  But it was no accident, it was murder.

As Kelvin and the other characters investigate the death, the book covers topics like why the sky is blue, what causes the seasons, and why we have weather at all.  A parallel is drawn between detective work and the scientific method, and the book emphasizes the need for evidence and rigorous thought.

The book has been read in three classrooms, and afterwards I do a Skype talk with the class, where they are able to ask me questions and I can ask them about their experiences with weather.

Please find more information on the book's website.

KelvinMcCloud.com
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Articles

Rutgers Doctoral Student Jazzes up Weather Lesson in Murder Mystery for Young Adults - Rutgers Today
U. Student links science with mystery - The Daily Targum
Book Review: Kelvin McCloud and the Seaside Storm - ReadersFavorite.com

© 2022 Michael Erb.  All rights reserved.