Florida Science Grade 6 Unit 4:
Shaping EarthMeteorologist and stormsIntroduction:
Hurricanes are one of the most fascinating and powerful atmospheric phenomenon studied by meteorologists. While hurricanes start in the world's oceans, their damage is felt most powerfully on land. Investigate how storms that become hurricanes are defined and determine which worldwide locations are at greatest risk for hurricanes. Task:
Conduct research about hurricanes in order to design an informational brochure about this dangerous type of storm. In order to create a brochure, answer the following questions:
- What is the definition of a hurricane?
- Where do hurricanes form?
- How are hurricanes measured?
- Why are hurricanes potentially dangerous to coastal areas?
- How are hurricane paths projected?
- How are meteorologists around the world studying hurricanes?
- What can people living in coastal areas do to prepare for hurricanes?
- What land locations around the world have the highest incidences of hurricanes?
- What are some notable hurricanes in recent history? How have the affected the people who lived in their paths?
Once you have conducted research about hurricanes, use a sheet of paper to create a brochure or create it on a computer. Be sure to incorporate words and images to describe the information you have learned. Integrate charts, graphs, maps, and photographs to explain what hurricanes are and how they affect people around the world. Time:
1 class period research hurricane information, 2 class periods to design and produce a descriptive brochure. Possible Resources:
http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/
http://tropical.atmos.colostate.edu/
http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/hurricane/index.shtml
http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/
http://www.hurricanehunters.com/
http://hurricanes.noaa.gov/  | 
