What are you curious about?
Every week, Doug pulls three questions from his jar and chooses one to answer in a short video.
Every week, Doug pulls three questions from his jar and chooses one to answer in a short video.
This activity is a simulation, similar to the “Wanted: A Well” activity in Watery Planet Mystery 2. In “Save Beachtown,” students will optimize engineering strategies to save a coastal town from flooding in a hurricane—paying attention to flooding from both a river and an ocean storm surge.
This simulation is very engaging and may take more than 20 minutes for students to complete. Consider dividing this lesson into two class periods. We’ve provided challenge questions in the Extras section for those who want to extend the activity.
If you have a large group, students will work in teams of four. If you have just a few students, they can form a smaller team. A solo student can do the activity alone, but we think it’s more fun with friends.
If you’re working with a large group, you may want students to post their final work for others to see. If you decide to do this, you’ll need wall space and supplies (tape, pushpins, etc.).
Each group of four students (or each student working alone) will need all the worksheets listed below. Print out the complete set here.
Each group will need:
In addition, each student in the group will need:
Each group will need:
In addition, each student in the group will need:
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In this Mystery, students examine the causes of flooding using the real-world example of Hurricane Katrina. In the activity, students propose plans to prevent flooding and save historic buildings in a coastal town–all while staying within budget!
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DISCUSS (1 of 2):
Where does the water in a hurricane come from?
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DISCUSS (2 of 2):
Why is there so much rain from a hurricane?
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DISCUSS:
Why do you think some areas of New Orleans flooded while others did not?
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This activity is a simulation, similar to the “Wanted: A Well” activity in Watery Planet Mystery 2. In “Save Beachtown,” students will optimize engineering strategies to save a coastal town from flooding in a hurricane—paying attention to flooding from both a river and an ocean storm surge.
This simulation is very engaging and may take more than 20 minutes for students to complete. Consider dividing this lesson into two class periods. We’ve provided challenge questions in the Extras section for those who want to extend the activity.
If you have a large group, students will work in teams of four. If you have just a few students, they can form a smaller team. A solo student can do the activity alone, but we think it’s more fun with friends.
If you’re working with a large group, you may want students to post their final work for others to see. If you decide to do this, you’ll need wall space and supplies (tape, pushpins, etc.).
Each group of four students (or each student working alone) will need all the worksheets listed below. Print out the complete set here.
Each group will need:
In addition, each student in the group will need:
Each group will need:
In addition, each student in the group will need:
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You've completed the Exploration & Activity!
If you have more time, view the assessment, reading and extension activity in the optional extras.
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Tell your students that the people of Beachtown had a meeting to discuss the proposals your class came up with. Ask your students how they would answer their questions or address their issues.
Remember: There are no right answers and it may be difficult to make everyone happy.
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These readings are free with registration on Newsela Elementary. A writing prompt and a quiz is available for each reading.
Learn Hurricane Basics — the parts of a hurricane, how a hurricane’s strength is measured, and how a hurricane forms. (Grade 5)
Meet two hurricane hunters, bold pilots who fly into hurricanes to collect information for scientists: Commander Cathy Martin (Grade 4) and Scientist Frank Marks (Grade 5)
Find out how changes in ocean temperature near the equator can affect people living half a world away. (Grade 4)
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This time-lapse movie shows a satellite view of the 2012 hurricane season — from June 1 to November 29 — in less than 5 minutes. The excitement starts with hurricane Chris at 0:22, followed by Debbie at 0:30, Ernesto at 1:27, and more.
As you watch, try to answer these questions:
You’ll find more satellite views of hurricanes here.
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After watching and discussing the movement of hurricanes, have your students plot a hurricane’s path with this activity. Then have students write about the hurricane’s origin, its travels, and its decline from the point of view of the storm itself.
If you want a more hands-on experience (and you’re willing to take on a messy experiment), check out this Teach Engineering activity, in which students make a model of a river and learn first-hand what happens when it floods.
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Before you can make a hurricane, you’ll need to know more about how they form. You’ll find helpful articles on these sites from the University Center for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) and Sciencing.
Then give UCAR’s Create-A-Cane, a try. First, you make a tropical depression by changing sea temperature, air moisture, wind’s speed and direction, and latitude. (The "?" will give you tips.) When conditions are just right, your score reaches 80 and you have the beginning of a hurricane. Then follow the instructions on each screen to make your hurricane. It isn’t easy, but you can do it!
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Please follow these steps: