lenny

Seasonal Weather Extremes

Lesson Plan

Extreme Weather Watch

Students will investigate the science behind extreme weather events associated with different seasons, identifying their causes and potential impacts.

Understanding the science behind extreme weather helps students grasp climate patterns, prepare for natural disasters, and appreciate the importance of community resilience.

Audience

8th Grade Students

Time

75 minutes

Approach

Discussion, presentation, activity, and assessment.

Materials

Whiteboard or projector, Markers or pens, Nature's Fury Forecast Slide Deck, Weather Phenomenon Study Worksheet, and Seasonal Weather Challenge Quiz

Prep

Prepare Materials

15 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up: What's the Wildest Weather?

10 minutes

  • Begin by asking students: "What's the most extreme weather you've ever experienced or heard about?"
    - Facilitate a brief class discussion, encouraging students to share their experiences and initial thoughts on extreme weather.
    - Introduce the lesson objective: Today, we're going to dive into the science behind these powerful seasonal weather events.

Step 2

Nature's Fury Forecast: Exploring Extreme Weather

25 minutes

  • Present the Nature's Fury Forecast Slide Deck.
    - Guide students through the slides, explaining different seasonal extreme weather events (e.g., blizzards in winter, hurricanes in summer/fall, tornadoes in spring/early summer, heatwaves/droughts).
    - Encourage questions and facilitate short discussions on each type of weather phenomenon as you go.
    - Use the teacher notes in the slide deck for discussion prompts and additional information.

Step 3

Weather Phenomenon Study: Deep Dive Activity

25 minutes

  • Distribute the Weather Phenomenon Study Worksheet to each student or small group.
    - Instruct students to choose one extreme weather event from the slide deck (or one they are particularly interested in) and complete the worksheet.
    - Students will research or recall information about its causes, effects, and safety measures.
    - Circulate around the room, providing support and answering questions. Encourage students to think critically about the science behind these events.

Step 4

Share and Discuss Findings

10 minutes

  • Have students share their findings from the Weather Phenomenon Study Worksheet with the class or in their small groups.
    - Facilitate a brief discussion, highlighting commonalities and differences in the chosen phenomena and their impacts.
    - Emphasize the importance of understanding and preparing for these events.

Step 5

Cool-Down: Seasonal Weather Challenge (Quiz)

5 minutes

  • Administer the Seasonal Weather Challenge Quiz as a cool-down activity.
    - This quick quiz will assess their understanding of the key concepts covered in the lesson.
    - Collect the quizzes to review student comprehension.
lenny
0 educators
use Lenny to create lessons.

No credit card needed

Slide Deck

Nature's Fury Forecast

Investigating Seasonal Weather Extremes

Get ready to explore the powerful science behind blizzards, hurricanes, tornadoes, and more! How do seasons influence these intense events?

Welcome students to the lesson. Ask them to think about different types of extreme weather they have experienced or heard about. Introduce the idea that these events often have a 'season.'

Winter's Whiteout: Blizzards

What is a Blizzard?

  • Heavy snowfall: Often 35 miles per hour or more
  • Strong winds: Blowing and drifting snow
  • Low visibility: Can be near zero

Why do they happen in winter?

  • Cold air masses meet moist air.
  • Often occur in northern latitudes.

Think: How do blizzards impact daily life?

Discuss blizzards: heavy snowfall, strong winds, low visibility. Explain that they occur in winter due to cold air masses colliding with moist air, often from oceans. Mention regions prone to blizzards. Ask: 'What are the dangers of a blizzard?'

Summer & Fall Swirl: Hurricanes

The Power of a Hurricane

  • Tropical cyclones: Form over warm ocean waters.
  • Sustained winds: 74 mph or higher.
  • Heavy rainfall & storm surge: Cause flooding.
  • Hurricane Season: June 1 - November 30 (Atlantic)

Where and when do they form?

  • Warm ocean water (at least 80°F).
  • High humidity and light winds.

Think: How does the ocean play a role in hurricane formation?

Explain hurricanes: powerful tropical storms with sustained winds of 74 mph or higher. Describe their formation over warm ocean waters, typically in late summer and early fall. Mention the 'eye' of the storm. Ask: 'Why are coastal areas most at risk from hurricanes?'

Spring's Spiral: Tornadoes

Tornado: Nature's Violent Twister

  • Rapidly rotating column of air: Touches the ground.
  • Associated with severe thunderstorms.

When and why do they strike?

  • Most common in spring and early summer.
  • Form when warm, moist air meets cool, dry air.
  • 'Tornado Alley' in the central U.S. is a hot spot.

Think: What safety measures should you take during a tornado?

Introduce tornadoes: rapidly rotating columns of air extending from a thunderstorm to the ground. Explain that they form when warm, moist air meets cool, dry air, creating instability, most common in spring and early summer in 'Tornado Alley.' Ask: 'What's the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning?'

The Sizzling Season: Heatwaves & Droughts

Extreme Heat & Lack of Rain

  • Heatwave: Prolonged period of unusually hot weather.
  • Drought: Extended period of abnormally low rainfall.

Why are they dangerous?

  • Dehydration, heatstroke.
  • Crop failure, water shortages.
  • Increased wildfire risk.

Think: How can we conserve water during a drought?

Discuss heatwaves and droughts: prolonged periods of excessively hot weather and extended periods of abnormally low rainfall. Explain how they are related to high-pressure systems. Emphasize their impact on health, agriculture, and water resources. Ask: 'How can communities prepare for and respond to heatwaves and droughts?'

Be Weather Wise!

Understanding these extreme events helps us:

  • Stay safe and prepared.
  • Protect our communities.
  • Appreciate the power of Earth's systems.

What's one new thing you learned about extreme weather today?

Conclude by reiterating the importance of understanding seasonal weather extremes. Encourage students to consider how their communities are impacted and what they can do to be prepared. Transition to the worksheet activity.

lenny

Worksheet

Weather Phenomenon Study: Your Extreme Weather Deep Dive

Instructions: Choose ONE extreme weather event that we discussed (Blizzard, Hurricane, Tornado, or Heatwave/Drought). Use your notes from the Nature's Fury Forecast Slide Deck and what you've learned to complete the sections below.

1. Chosen Extreme Weather Event:




2. When does this event typically occur (Season/Time of Year)?




3. Describe the main characteristics of this event (What does it look like? What does it feel like?):







4. What are the scientific causes or conditions that lead to this event? (Think about air masses, ocean temperatures, pressure systems, etc.)












5. What are some of the potential impacts or effects of this weather event on communities, people, and the environment?












6. What safety measures should people take before, during, or after this event?












7. Draw a simple diagram or picture representing your chosen weather phenomenon in the space below. Label key parts if applicable.













lenny
lenny

Quiz

Seasonal Weather Challenge

lenny
Seasonal Weather Extremes • Lenny Learning