Tornadoes: Nature’s Killer Storm A Webquest Project by Scott CaltaScott 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.

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 Task

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 tourTornado tour · Tornado AlleyTornado Alley · Tornado SafetyTornado Safety · Warning SignsWarning Signs · Ask EarlAsk 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.