LEARN NC

K–12 teaching and learning · from the UNC School of Education

Twister tracking

http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/lessons/01/g912/
fontwister.html

A lesson plan for Grades 9–12 Advanced Placement Statistics, Earth/Environmental Science, and

Provider: National Geographic

About this resource

Appropriate grades
9–12
Subjects
mathematics (probability, statistics), science (environmental science), thinking skills (higher order thinking, information literacy, research skills, visual literacy), education technology (computer/technology skills, integrating technology, web-based tools), teaching methods (cooperative learning, discussions, online learning)
Provider
National Geographic

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Creative Commons License

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In this Xpeditions lesson, students use a database to learn about, organize, and compare tornadoes in their home state and across the country. Activities in this lesson engage students in development of research and media literacy skills, while working in collaborative groups.

Students will:

  • apply aspects of tornado science, including the Fujita scale;
  • demonstrate skills in searching a database to answer questions; and
  • analyze data on charts and maps, comparing tornadoes in their state to those in other states.

Xpeditions provides links to helpful web resources that contain information about tornadoes, as well as directions for completing the lesson, and suggestions for assessment and extension activities.

North Carolina Curriculum Alignment

Computer Technology Skills (2005)

Grades 9–12

  • Goal 3SC — Science: The learner will use a variety of technologies to access, analyze, interpret, synthesize, apply, and communicate information.
    • Objective 3SC.02: Use appropriate technology tools to efficiently collect, analyze, and display data.
    • Objective 3SC.03: Use electronic resources for research.
    • Objective 3SC.04: Use spreadsheets and/or databases to collect, record, analyze, and present data.

Mathematics (2004)

Grades 9–12 — Advanced Placement Statistics

  • Goal 3: Data Analysis and Probability - The learner will collect and analyze date to solve problems.
    • Objective 3.01: Analyze categorical data.
    • Objective 3.02: Use and compare methods of data collection.
    • Objective 3.03: Apply statistical principles and methods in sample surveys; identify difficulties.
    • Objective 3.05: Apply concepts of probability to solve problems.
    • Objective 3.10: Perform tests of significance and interpret results in the context of a problem.

Science (2005)

Grades 9–12 — Earth/Environmental Science

  • Goal 1: The learner will develop abilities necessary to do and understand scientific inquiry in the earth and environmental sciences.
    • Objective 1.01: Identify questions and problems in the earth and environmental sciences that can be answered through scientific investigations.
    • Objective 1.02: Design and conduct scientific investigations to answer questions related to earth and environmental science.
      • Create testable hypotheses
      • Identify variables.
      • Use a control or comparison group when appropriate.
      • Select and use appropriate measurement tools.
      • Collect and record data.
      • Organize data into charts and graphs.
      • Analyze and interpret data.
      • Communicate findings.
    • Objective 1.05: Analyze reports of scientific investigations and environmental issues from an informed scientifically literate viewpoint including considerations of:
      • Appropriate sample.
      • Adequacy of experimental controls.
      • Replication of findings.
      • Alternative interpretations of the data.
  • Goal 5: The learner will build an understanding of the dynamics and composition of the atmosphere and its local and global processes influencing climate and air quality.
    • Objective 5.03: Analyze global atmospheric changes including changes in CO2, CH4, and stratospheric O3 and the consequences of these changes:
      • Climate change.
      • Changes in weather patterns.
      • Increasing ultraviolet radiation.
      • Sea level changes.