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Twisters in a jar

The class will discuss the motion, causes and effects of a tornado. The student will also be able to name the safety steps one should take when a tornado occurs.

Format: lesson plan (grade 1 Science)

By Andrea Allen.

Water and Weather

From just looking at cloud formations to building a weather station, this sampling of resources help students learn all about climate, weather, and the water cycle.

Format: bibliography/help

State Climate Office of North Carolina

Students of all ages will enjoy learning about North Carolina's climate, whether on a field trip or in their classroom. Topics include extreme weather records, drought, tornadoes, El Nino and La Nina, hurricanes and North Carolina, and much more.

Format: article/field trip opportunity

Catawba Science Center

Students will enjoy visiting the Catawba Science Center, a hands-on museum, where learning is fun!

Format: article/field trip opportunity

Coastal weather issues: Planning for a hurricane

The unit is designed for seventh grade students who have been studying Earth and its atmosphere. In this sequence, students are faced with the realistic issue of personal and social decision-making when planning for hurricane strikes, which includes classification, tracking, and monitoring hurricanes, as well as planning for evacuations. The inquiry-based approach involves a WebQuest in which the learner will assume the role of an emergency management team member who must create a preparation plan for the community.

Format: lesson plan (grade 7 Computer/Technology Skills and Science)

By Karen Greene.

Rainy weather

This is the first lesson in a weather unit. This lesson consists of activities that help students understand the concept of rain.

Format: lesson plan (grade K Science)

By Carol McCrary.

Eroded land, eroded lives: Agriculture and The Grapes of Wrath (lesson 1 of 10)

This description is of only the first lesson in the unit, to be taught before students read the novel; thus, its primary purpose is to put this novel in historical context. Toward that end, students will learn about the (unintentional) abuse of soil that allowed the Dust Bowl to be so devastating and extensive. They will also see photographs by Dorothea Lange and others depicting the wasted land and subsequent wasted dreams of thousands.

Format: lesson plan (grade 11–12 English Language Arts and Social Studies)

By Annie Henry.

Hurricanes

A guide to teaching about hurricanes, including virtual field trips, lesson plans, and interactive websites.

Format: bibliography/help

Resources on the web

Tornadoes and technology

In this lesson, students will learn about how tornadoes are formed, and where and when they are most likely to occur. They will then study the current research on tornadoes and how scientists are trying to predict them. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science)

Provided by: National Geographic

Tracking tornadoes

In this lesson from Xpeditions, students will learn about how tornadoes are formed and how they are rated according to intensity. They will use the Internet to learn where tornados occur most frequently, what kind of damage they cause, how they are predicted,... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 7 Science)

Provided by: National Geographic

What is a tornado?

Students will learn about how tornadoes are formed and why most tornadoes occur in “tornado alley.” Students will create a tornado in a bottle and review basic safety information about what to do in a tornado. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade K and 2 Science and Social Studies)

Provided by: National Geographic

Tornadoes - Nature's Most Violent Storms

Find out what causes tornadoes to form and what the difference is between a tornado watch and a warning. This site answers these and other questions about these violent storms. (Learn more)

Format: website/general

Provided by: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Weather Service

Twister tracking

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... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science)

Provided by: Xpeditions

BBC News: Animated Guides to Natural Disasters

Provides animation of the worlds most devastating natural phenomena: volcanic eruptions, hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes and tsunamis. (Learn more)

Format: website/activity

Provided by: BBC

Twister! What to do in a tornado

Students will read about the basics of tornado safety. They will also learn about the signs that a tornado might be coming, and what they should do if they ever experience a tornado firsthand. They will then create safety brochures to share with their friends... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 3 and 5 Science)

Provided by: National Geographic

Natural hazards: Same forces, different impacts

In this Xpeditions lesson, students consider the threats that natural disasters (specifically tornadoes, volcanoes, and earthquakes) pose for humans, then compare and contrast two disasters. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 6–7 Science and Social Studies)

Provided by: National Geographic

The impact of natural hazards around the world

This Xpeditions lesson focuses on how humans can use technology to adapt to phenomena such as fires, floods, tornadoes, earthquakes, hurricanes, and volcanoes. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 6 Information Skills)

Provided by: National Geographic

Climate Kids

Want to play the Hurricane Name Game or learn how to make a barometer? The site includes activities, games, and educational resources on climate, hurricanes, tornadoes, weather trivia and more. (Learn more)

Format: website/activity

Provided by: South East Regional Climate Center

Forces of Nature

Make your own volcano; set off an earthquake; create a hurricane; and cause your own tornado as you learn about all the forces of Mother Nature. (Learn more)

Format: website/lesson plan

Provided by: National Geographic

Prepare yourself!

Introduces students to location and frequency of natural disasters in the United States. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade K and 2 Science)

Provided by: National Geographic