• NTTI Home
• Master Teachers
• Lesson Plans
• National NTTI

---

South Carolina ETV
1101 George Rogers Boulevard
Columbia, SC 29201-4761
Phone: 803-737-3545

Wild, Wild Weather: Severe Storms (Grade 2)

Master Teacher

Geraldine L. Yates

Time Allotment

An hour per day, for four weeks

Overview

Students will work in groups and individually to research severe weather and how to stay safe during storms. Students will create multimedia presentations and publications to answer the content questions. Each group will be assigned two storms to research and then share their completed projects with the class.

Subject Matter

Science

Learning Objectives

Students will be able to:

• Identify the types of severe weather, names and descriptions of storms.
• Summarize safety tips and procedures to follow before and during a storm.
• Create multimedia presentations and a publication in cooperative groups.
• Present completed group projects to the class.
• Prepare a "Family Disaster Plan."

South Carolina Curriculum Standards

(These Standards for Grade 2 are available online at http://www.myscschools.com/offices/cso .)

South Carolina Science Academic Standards-2005

Weather

Standard 2-3 : The student will demonstrate an understanding of daily and seasonal weather conditions. (Earth Science)

Indicators

•  Explain the effects of moving air as it interacts with objects.

2-3.6 Identify safety precautions that one should take during severe weather conditions.

Language Arts Standards

2-W1.5 Demonstrate the ability to write and publish in a variety of formats.

2-W2.1 Demonstrate the ability to use writing to explain and inform.

2-W2.2 Begin to use writing to learn, entertain, and describe.

2-RS2.2 Demonstrate the ability to gather information using a variety of resources,

including technology, and begin organizing such information.

2-RS2.3 Continue documenting sources by listing titles and authors.

2-RS3.3 Demonstrate the ability to present his or her research findings in a variety of

formats.

Media Components

Power Point

Power Point presentations will be created by the students in small groups with adult assistants.

Video

Introductory Activity Video

Elementary Video Adventures: Weather and Climate explains how storms take place and move. It introduces the severe storms: Rain, Thunderstorm, Tornadoes and Hurricanes.

Log on to your account at ETV's StreamlineSC Web page ( http://etv.streamlinesc.org ) to add the following video segment to your Playlist. Log into the Web site and select Keyword: Weather. Click on "Elementary Video Adventures: Weather and Climate." Select the "a" in front of the clip "Storms" (7:00). This adds the clip to "My Playlist." Select Continue button. Click to close window. When finished log off.

( Note to Teacher: If you don't have an account with ETV's StreamlineSC , check with your media specialist about signing up for an account.)

Learning Activities Videos

1. Elementary Video Adventures: Dynamic Earth presents dramatic footage showing hurricanes, tornadoes and lightning.

Log on to your account at ETV's StreamlineSC Web page ( http://etv.streamlinesc.org ) to add the following video segment to your Playlist. Log into the Web site and select Keyword: Dynamic Earth. Click on "Elementary Video Adventures: Dynamic Earth." Select the "a" in front of the clip "Hurricanes" (12:00). This adds the clip to "My Playlist." Select Continue button. Click to close window. When finished log off.

2. Weather Smart: Hurricanes shows exciting footage of hurricanes and how to stay safe during a storm.

Log on to your account at ETV's StreamlineSC Web page ( http://etv.streamlinesc.org ) to add the following video segment to your Playlist. Log into the Web site and select Keyword: Weather Smart. Click on "Weather Smart: Hurricanes." Select the "a" in front of the clip "Hurricane Safety" (2:53). This adds the clip to "My Playlist." Select Continue button. Click to close window. When finished log off.

3. Weather Smart: Tornadoes dramatically shows size, shape and colors of tornadoes and the damage they can cause.

Log on to your account at ETV's StreamlineSC Web page ( http://etv.streamlinesc.org ) to add the following video segments to your Playlist. Log into the Web site and select Keyword: Weather Smart. Click on "Weather Smart: Tornadoes." Select the "a" in front of the clip "What Are Tornadoes?" (1:37). This adds the clip to "My Playlist." Select Continue button. Click to close window. Follow the same directions to add the video segment entitled "Tornado Safety Rules" (2:36). When finished log off.

5. Severe Thunderstorms: Watch for the Warning shows the powerful display and striking sounds of thunderstorms.

Log on to your account at ETV's StreamlineSC Web page ( http://etv.streamlinesc.org ) to add the following video segments to your Playlist. Log into the Web site and select Keyword: Severe Weather. Click on "Severe Weather Safety: Watch for the Warning." Select the "a" in front of the clip "Severe Thunderstorms" (3:17). This adds the clip to "My Playlist." Select Continue button. Click to close window. Follow the same directions to add video segment entitled "Severe Weather Safety at Home" (1:38). When finished log off.

6. Weather Smart: Thunderstorms demonstrates the spectacular show made by lightning and thunder in thunderstorms.

Log on to your account at ETV's StreamlineSC Web page ( http://etv.streamlinesc.org ) to add the following video segments to your Playlist. Log into the Web site and select Keyword: Thunderstorms. Click on "Weather Smart: Thunderstorms." Select the "a" in front of the clip "Lightning: How It Happens and How to Stay Safe." (2:48). This adds the clip to "My Playlist." Select Continue button. Click to close window. Follow the same directions to add the video segment entitled "Flash Floods" (00:53). When finished log off.

Web Sites

The following Web sites will be used by the students to gather information for their Power Point presentations and safety posters.

Enchanted Learning ( http://www.enchantedlearning.com ) has kid friendly information, printouts, pictures, etc., about weather in its section called "Little Explorers English Picture Dictionary." To have full access, you must register as a member.

Fema for Kids ( http://www.fema.gov/kids/ ) In the "Disaster Area" section is information on floods, hurricanes, tornadoes and thunderstorms. The "Fact/Fiction" section has interesting tidbits.

NOAA ( http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/reachout/kidspage.shtml ) "Play Time for Kids" is designed to help kids learn about hurricanes, thunderstorms, and other hazardous weather. Subjects include: hurricanes, tornadoes, thunder/lightning, floods, safety tips.

Pics4Learning ( http://www.pics4learning.com ) Terrific pictures can be found in two sections: "Natural Disasters" (floods, hurricanes, tornadoes) and "Weather: Extreme" (thunderstorms, hurricanes).

SC Discus: Kids Infobits ( http://www.scdiscus.org ) Students can use this site to access information on weather for their Power Point presentations. You have to get a password from your media specialist to access this site.

Materials

Per Group:

"WASP Group Assignments" planning sheet

Per Student:

• "Student Unit Assignment" planning sheet and folder
• "Wild, Wild Weather" Word Search puzzle
• "Family Disaster Plan" worksheet
• Paper, poster board, crayons, markers, and pencils

Equipment

• Computer(s) with Internet connection
• Printer
• Projector/screen or TV converter
• Power Point and Word software

Prep for Teachers

• Print the following vocabulary words and focus questions on a chart or poster-
  Tornado Hurricane Thunderstorm Flash Flood
  
  How can we be safe during severe weather?
  How can severe weather be described?
  What are some safety precautions to be used during severe weather?

• Assign WASP (Weather Advisory and Safety Pals) groups (3-4 students per group)
• Make copies of the following:
  WASP planning sheet for each group
  Group/Student Assignment sheet for each student
  "Wild, Wild Weathe" Word Search puzzle for each student
  "Family Action Plan" worksheet for each student

• When using media, provide students with a Focus for Media Interaction , a specific task to complete and/or information to identify during or after viewing of video segments, Web sites, or other multimedia elements.

Introductory Activity

Step 1: Ask your class: "What are some types of storms listed on the chart?" (flash floods, hurricanes, thunderstorms, tornados) Say: "We are going to learn about these storms in our unit 'Wild, Wild Weather.' We are going to learn the answers to these questions:

1. How can we be safe during severe weather?
2. How can severe weather be described?
3. What are safety precautions to use during severe weather conditions?"

Step 2: Now you are ready to show the first video clip "Storms (7:00)." Provide your students with a Focus for Media Interaction by asking them to look for the answers to the following questions- "What causes storms to take place? ( development of clouds, air can hold only so much water, precipitation) What are five types of storms? ( Rain, Thunder, Tornado, Hurricanes, Snowstorms)

Step 3: Log on to ETV's StreamlineSC Web page to access the video clip from your Playlist. ( Note to Teacher: It is probably better if you download it to your desktop, computer's hard drive or a CD to start with. Many schools actually don't have the band width to live stream.)

Step 4: Instructions: Locate the video clip on your hard drive or CD. Double click the video clip icon. Click on silver circle in the bottom right of the video screen to show full screen. Click the x in the upper right corner when the clip is complete. Discuss the Focus for Media Interaction questions.

Step 5: Say: "To help us in our study of 'Wild, Wild Weather,' I have assigned each of you to a WASP (Weather Advisory and Safety Pals) group." (Tell the students which group they are assigned to with the temporary names of A, B, C, D.) "In a few minutes, your group will meet and choose a name for your group. I am giving each group a 'WASP Group Assignment' sheet. After selecting choices for your group's name, return the group sheet to me." Students divide into groups. As the groups choose their names, circulate among the groups and check storm types under Safety Poster and Power Point group assignments. Each group will be assigned two different types of storms. Make sure that all storms are covered for both the Safety Poster and the Power Point presentation.

Step 6: Return to large group and give each student a "Student Unit Assignment" sheet and a folder to keep paperwork together during the unit. Go over what each group is expected to do and what each individual student is assigned to do.

Learning Activities

Step 1: Log on to ETV's StreamlineSC Web page to access the video clip "Hurricanes" (12:00) from your Playlist or access it from your computer's hard drive or a CD. ( Note to Teacher: The viewing and discussion of the video clips should be done over several days [i.e., one storm type and safety tips for it per day].)

Step 2: Provide students with a Focus for Media Interaction by having them listen for the answers to the following questions: "What is the center of a hurricane called?" (an eye) "How big can a hurricane grow?" ( hundreds of miles across the sky) " What comes with a hurricane?" ( wind and heavy rain that can cause damage and kill people)

Step 3: PLAY the clip. Instructions: Locate the video clip on your hard drive or CD. Double click video clip icon. Click on silver circle in the bottom right of the video screen to show full screen. STOP the clip after the words, ".loss from these furious storms was terrible." Click the x in the upper right corner when the clip is complete. Discuss the Focus questions.

Step 4: Provide students with a Focus for Media Interaction by having them listen for the answers to the following questions-"What is a hurricane watch? ( hurricane is close, may strike within two days ) "What is a hurricane warning?" ( hurricane is near, get to safe place now ) What are things to have in a family safety kit? ( food, water, blankets, flashlight, First Aid kit, money, books, phone numbers, medicines, weather radio )

Step 5: PLAY the clip "Hurricane Safety" (2:53). Instructions: Locate the video clip on your hard drive or CD. Double click video clip icon. Click on silver circle in the bottom right of the video screen to show full screen. STOP after you hear "Many times you can stay in your home if you are not too close to the water and if the building is strong." Click the x in the upper right corner when the clip is complete. Discuss the Focus questions.

Step 6: Provide students with a Focus for Media Interaction by having them listen for the answers to the following questions-"Where are tornadoes mostly found?" (in the United States) "What are tornadoes?" (violent tubes of spinning air) What are two good things about a tornado? ( it doesn't last long and you usually know when it will happen )

Step 7: PLAY the clip "What are Tornadoes?" (1:37). Instructions: Locate the video clip on your hard drive or CD. Double click video clip icon. Click on silver circle in the bottom right of the video screen to show full screen. Click the x in the upper right corner when the clip is complete. Discuss the Focus questions.

Step 8: Provide students with a Focus for Media Interaction by asking them to listen for the answers to the following questions-"What injures most people during a tornado? ( debris or flying things ) "What is the number one safety rule during a tornado? ( stay low and cover your head ) "Where are the best places to stay low? ( basement, 1 st floor of building, away from windows, middle of house, small room )

Step 9: PLAY the clip "Tornado Safety Rules" (2:36). Instructions: Locate the video clip on your hard drive or CD. Double click video clip icon. Click on silver circle in the bottom right of the video screen to show full screen. Click the x in the upper right corner when the clip is complete. Discuss the Focus questions.

Step 10: Provide students with a Focus for Media Interaction by asking them to listen for the answers to the following questions-"What are severe thunderstorms?" (those that cause harm to people and/or animals, cause tornadoes, or flash floods) What can be part of a severe thunderstorm? ( lightning, damaging winds, hail, tornadoes, flash floods ) What is hail? ( pieces of ice that fall from high thunderstorm clouds )

Step 11 : PLAY the clip "Severe Thunderstorms" (3:17). Instructions: Locate the video clip on your hard drive or CD. Double click video clip icon. Click on silver circle in the bottom right of the video screen to show full screen. STOP the video after you hear ".move at up to sixty miles and hour" and see a funnel cloud on the screen. Click the x in the upper right corner when the clip is complete. Discuss the Focus questions.

Step 12: Provide students with a Focus for Media Interaction by telling them to listen for the answers to the following questions-"What is lightning? ( huge sparks of electricity ) What should you do when you see lightning or hear thunder? ( go inside a building or get in a car ) What safety rules should you follow inside a building during a thunderstorm? ( don't use sink or bath tub, don't use anything plugged into an electric outlet, don't use the phone, stay away from windows )

Step 13: PLAY the clip "Lightning: How It Happens and How to Stay Safe" (2:48). Instructions: Locate the video clip on your hard drive or CD. Double click video clip icon. Click on silver circle in the bottom right of the video screen to show full screen. Click the x in the upper right corner when the clip is complete. Discuss Focus questions.

Step 14: Provide students with a Focus for Media Interaction by asking them to look for the answers to the following questions- "What are flash floods?" ( floods that start fast ) "What kind of water should you stay away from? ( floods , fast moving water, don't know how deep it is ) " Why should you not walk through moving water? ( it can knock you over and carry you away )

Step 15: PLAY the clip "Flash Flood Safety" (00:53). Instructions: Locate the video clip on your hard drive or CD. Double click video clip icon. Click on silver circle in the bottom right of the video screen to show full screen. Click the x in the upper right corner when the clip is complete. Discuss the Focus questions.

Step 16: Provide students with a Focus for Media Interaction by asking them to look for the answers to the following questions-"Why does every family need a storm safety plan?" (to know what to do and where to go for safety) "Where is not a safe place during a storm?" (a mobile home) "What should you make sure of before walking in flood water inside a building? ( that the electricity is turned off )

Step 17: PLAY the clip "Severe Weather Safety at Home" (1:36). Instructions: Locate the video clip on your hard drive or CD. Double click video clip icon. Click on silver circle in the bottom right of the video screen to show full screen. Click the x in the upper right corner when the clip is complete. Discuss the Focus questions.

Step 18: Students will work in small groups to make a Power Point presentation with adult help on their selected storms. Each slide should be illustrated with a picture or clip art. Slides will be:

1. Title indicating storm type and names of students in group
2. Storm description
3. Harm that the storm can cause
4. Safety tips on what you should do
5. Where the information came from

Step 19: Students will work in small groups to make a safety poster on a selected storm. The poster should include the name of the storm, safety tips, what you should do in that type of storm and the source of the information. ( Note to Teacher: Remember to assign students a different storm from the one they were assigned for the Power Point presentation.)

Step 20 : Students will complete the following assignments individually:

• "Wild Weather Word Search" sheet
• Draw and color a picture of what one of the storm types may look like.

Culminating Activity

Each student will meet with their family to complete the "Family Disaster Plan" sheet. They will return the sheet to the teacher and the class will discuss the action plans.

Cross-Curricular Extensions

Writing: Each student will use the picture he/she drew as a "story starter" to write about a real or imagined storm experience.

Community Connections

• Invite parents and community members to see the Power Point presentations, posters, drawings and stories.
• Invite a meteorologist from a nearby weather station to come to the class and discuss storms with the students.

Student Materials

• WASP Group Assigments Wild (PDF)
• Wild Weather Student Unit Assignments Planning Sheet (PDF)
• Wild, Wild Weather Word Search Puzzle (PDF)
• Family Disaster Plan (PDF)