 Unit 5 Cycles of the Earth Activity 6: Hurricanes (SI GLEs: 3, 7, 13, 19, 27, 28, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40; ESS GLE: 28)
Plot several hurricanes that form during the season or use data from the previous season. Look for patterns and describe and record them. Divide the class into groups and instruct students to research a hurricane that has hit Louisiana and present their findings to the class. Identify atmospheric factors that influence the paths of hurricanes (high pressure, cold fronts, jet streams, ocean currents, etc.). Describe the level, damage, recovery, lessons learned, and changes that result from a hurricane's impact on society and the environment. Students should identify how technology has changed the way that hurricanes are studied and the impact it has had on human lives. Students should explain why present technology cannot answer all questions regarding hurricanes.
National Hurricane Center - Tropical Prediction Center
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration at: A PowerPoint slideshow of Hurricanes Katrina & Rita pictures is provided below.
Hurricanes Meteorology Guide: contains 3-D virtual fly through which requires a VRML player/plugin. http://ww2010.atmos.uiuc.edu/(Gh)/guides/mtr/hurr/home.rxml
FEMA: Hurricanes http://www.fema.gov/hazards/hurricanes/
FEMA for KIDS: Hurricanes http://www.fema.gov/kids/hurr.htm
Howstuffworks: How Hurricanes Work http://science.howstuffworks.com/hurricane.htm
Louisiana Hurricanes - National Weather Service http://www.srh.noaa.gov/lch/research/lahur.php
The presentation suggested in this activity is a prime candidate for PowerPoint, as there are enormous amounts of graphics, videos, and animations available concerning hurricanes.
United Streaming videos http://www.unitedstreaming.com Hurricanes, Tornadoes, and Thunderstorms (24:00) Natural Phenomena: Hurricanes Tornadoes and Other Weather (15:55) Raging Planet: Hurricane (23:59) After the Hurricane (26:36) Wonders of Weather (49:46) |