Transcript Document 7737079

Tornadoes:
Nature’s Killer
Storm
A Webquest Project
by Scott Calta
Introduction
• You are watching television when your favorite program is
interrupted by a shrill noise. A message from the Emergency
Broadcast System rolls across the screen," There has been a
tornado sighted in your area!" What do you do? Where do you
go?
• Your job is to become a tornado expert so that you may teach
your classmates how to keep themselves safe during severe
weather. You must act quickly! The tornado is on its way!
Overview
•
STANDARDS ADDRESSED IN THIS UNIT
• Focus Standards:
•
S6E2. Students will understand the effects of the relative positions of the earth, moon and sun.
•
c. Relate the tilt of the earth to the distribution of sunlight throughout the year and its effect on climate.
•
S6E4. Students will understand how the distribution of land and oceans affects climate and weather.
•
a. Demonstrate that land and water absorb and lose heat at different rates and explain the resulting effects on
weather patterns.
•
b. Relate unequal heating of land and water surfaces to form large global wind systems and weather events such
as tornados and thunderstorms.
•
c. Relate how moisture evaporating from the oceans affects the weather patterns and weather events such as
hurricanes.
•
S6E6. Students will describe various sources of energy and with their uses and conservation.
•
a. Explain the role of the sun as the major source of energy and its relationship to wind and water energy.
•
The Task
In researching, you should accomplish the
following:
•Compile information in a journal.
•Design a model of a town hit by a tornado.
•Create a Power Point presentation.
The Process
Your teacher will assign you to a group. Within this
group you will have a role—a part to play in your
group’s research. They will count on you to do
your part, as you become an expert in your area.
All members of the group should get background
by clicking on the following:
• ·
Tornado tour
• ·
Tornado Alley
• ·
Tornado Safety
• ·
Warning Signs
• ·
Ask Earl
The “Cause Expert”
You will find out how tornadoes get started.
These are some websites that will help:
What causes tornadoes?
How tornadoes form
Where tornadoes come from
Tornadoes: Why?
The Tornado Q & A
The “Effects Expert”
Your job is to find out what tornadoes do when they are
formed. These websites will assist you in becoming
an expert.
Tornado effects
A Tornado in the 1920’s
Tornado Fast Facts
Tornado Videos
The “Safety Expert”
Your job is to research what can be done
before, during and after tornadoes, to help
save peoples’ lives and property. These
websites should help.
FEMA’s Tornadoes for Kids
USA Today Talks About Tornado Safety
Billy & Maria Learn About Tornado Safety
What Will We be Making, Mr. Calta?
• After you have completed your individual research, get into your
group and discuss your findings.
• Your group will then make a model of a town hit by a tornado. You
may use supplies from the classroom. If necessary, you may wish
to bring items from home to use on this project.
• Finally, you will create a Power Point presentation based on what
you have learned as a group.
More Resources for You
Classroom books and materials
(and do we ever have a lot!)
National Geographic: Tornadoes
Tornado movies
Kids’ Tornado page
All About Tornadoes
Evaluation
80 Points Possible
• Answers question with accuracy in the individual's
journal. 20 Points
• Shows willingness to work with group members.
Completes his or her part as expected. 20 Points
• Design a creative model of a town hit by a tornado.
20 Points
• Demonstrates knowledge of subject in group
presentation. Presents information in a clear
organized way. The group allows classmates to ask
questions of his or her research. 20 Points
As a conclusion, write about these in your journal:
1.
Can you make a distinction between a wedge
tornado and a classic tornado?
2.
Where are most tornadoes likely to hit?
3.
What conditions allow for a tornado to
occur?
4.
How do tornadoes differ from hurricanes?
5.
What action would you take during a tornado
if you were: outside, at school, and at home?
6.
How far do tornados travel during a storm?
For Further Thought…
Now that you have learned warning signs of a
tornado and the action you should take during a
tornado, you may want to research other natural
disasters: hurricanes, floods, or earthquakes. The
more you know, the safer you will be!
References
Fredericks, A.D. (2001). Investigating
Natural Disasters Through Children's
Literature: An Integrated Approach.
New York: Schaeffer Press.
www.google.com
www.dogpile.com