SEVERE WEATHER

One of 5th grade's Earth Science standards requires you to know more about severe weather. With the help of this posting on my classroom blog, you will be able to identify and describe various forms of severe weather. In addition, you will also understand the causes and effects of severe weather. Follow each step in the supplemental lesson below and be "blown away" by severe weather!!

SEVERE WEATHER LESSON

Step 1: Reading

• Read the animated summary "Severe Weather" as well as review the "Think, Talk, Write" Section #1-5 to check your understanding of severe weather.

• Check out "Web Weather for Kids: Clouds" to learn more about various cloud types in our atmosphere.

• Prepare for severe weather with "Severe Weather Safety and Survival" for basis safety tips to survive any wild weather conditions.

Step 2: Videos

• View "Severe Weather" to understand the cause and effect of severe weather.

• Watch "How a Thunderstorm Forms". Click "next" after it's over to watch an actual thunderstorm form. Click "next" again to play "Whaddaya Know? Quiz Show" for content mastery.

Step 3: Game Time

• Have fun playing the Rags to Riches game on "Earth's Weather" for more practice learning about Earth's weather, such as severe weather.

Step 4: Narrative Writing

On a sheet of paper, write a personal narrative about an experience you have had with severe weather. If you've never had a personal experience with severe weather, begin the narrative by describing the various types of severe weather that a person could experience. Here are some Web sites to guide your information:

• NOAA - Severe Weather Primer
• FEMA - The Disaster Area

Once you have described the various kinds of severe weather that can occur, continue your essay by sharing your personal experience or an experience someone can have with severe weather conditions. Here are some questions to get your thinking about your descriptions:

• What are the dangers of severe weather?
• What do people see and hear during severe weather? What do they fear?
• What are some ways to stay safe during severe weather events?

Rubric: 16 points possible - 4 pts. for introduction of topic, 4 pts, for content
with voice, 4 pts. for transitions (organization), and 4 pts. for conclusion.

Step 5: Discussion Forum

• Describe two safety precautions people can take for each of the following types of dangerous weather: thunderstorms, hurricanes, and tornadoes.
• What would be some of the worst things people could do in severe weather conditions?
  

*Evaluate and respond to two other blogs posted by classmates within one week.
*Whether you agree or disagree with their comments, explain why with evidence from the readings and/or videos.
* Please follow online etiquette expectations with appropriate

feedback and respect of each other's thoughts and opinions.