Extreme WeatherTornado, Hurricane and Weather Vane Activities

January - 2nd Grade

Activity Helper Tasks : During the presentation, setup two stations as noted below. There are two activities in Station 1. After completing Hurricanes, begin Tornadoes. Review the activity to understand the goal and prompt student thinking and learning. Rotate groups every 15-20 minutes as time allows.

Station 1 - Activity 1: Hurricane Model Explain to the students that this model shows how a hurricane moves. The moving water represents the strong blowing winds above the warm ocean water. The food coloring shows the movement of the water. Most hurricanes are monitored by satellite, so images taken from above are used, like the one the students saw in the presentation or show the picture below.

Supplies for group of 2-3 students 1 aluminum pie pan 1 craft stick or spoon 3 drops of food coloring (blue or other) Warm water A strip of white paper students can tear into 4-5 small pieces to represent clouds

Directions Fill pie plate with warm water; a little more than half full. Stir the warm water with the craft stick in a counterclockwise circular motion. Place ONLY 3 drops of food coloring in the middle of the swirling water. Place white paper on top of the rotating water to act as clouds.

Updated 1/1/20

Station 1 - Activity 2: Tornado in a Bottle This experiment is a fun way to show what a tornado looks like.

Supplies for group of 2-3 students Two 1 or 2-liter bottles One Tornado Tube connector Paper Towels (bottles may leak; a paper towel under the bottle is recommended)

Set Up Fill one of the bottles to the marked line with water. Connect the Tornado tube and then the empty bottle to the water bottle.

Directions Tip the bottles upside down so the water bottle is on top. Set it on the desk or hold it steady. Place one hand in the middle and one hand on top. Swirl the bottle, about 4-5 quick, small swirls. In seconds a “tornado” appears.

Optional: After the water has drained half way, if you shake the bottle back and forth about 3-4 times (small shakes) the funnel will grow larger.

Updated 1/1/20

Leave the “How to Create” Weather Vane PowerPoint slide up for reference.Show sample to students.

Station 2: Each student makes their own Weather Vane

Students will have plain white cups they decorate and assemble. They may need help putting the pin through the straw and into the pencil eraser. The weather vane is theirs to keep.

Allow 15-20 minutes for this activity.

Supplies per student cup with lid straw unsharpened, unused pencil Play-Doh (enough to fill the bottom of the container about 1/2 inch) directional square and triangle piece ball pin tape (scotch or masking) glue and markers from table

Steps Students decorate lid with compass rose/cardinal directions (NSEW) and the

container and directional pieces as desired. Fill bottom of container with Play-Doh. Stick pencil through the center of the lid. Tape or glue the directional square and triangle

onto the straw. Place pin through straw into pencil eraser. Experiment and enjoy!

If there is time, consider taking the class outside to test their weather vane. Help the students align the compass in the correct direction by turning towards Sunrise Valley Drive to face north.

Note: Please place all supplies back in the appropriate bag/box, along with the presentation, activity sheet and login instructions, and return the session supplies to the teacher workroom. Thank you!

Updated 1/1/20