Wild & Windy Waves!

Nature is a powerful force! Convey the drama of hurricanes, typhoons, cyclones, tornadoes, and other powerful storms in a bold drawing.

• 1.

  Severe weather conditions are natural events that can lead to catastrophes. Research information about one type of storm that especially intrigues you. A few details about hurricanes are provided here to give you some ideas.

• 2.

  Bands of thunderstorms that spiral together over the ocean with winds that reach at least 74 mph (119 km/hr) are called hurricanes. What are some recent hurricanes? How are hurricanes named? Where do they usually form? How are they influenced by changes in the Earth’s climate?

• 3.

  Certain weather conditions must be in place for tropical depressions to become hurricanes. Only one in every 10 does. Find out what these conditions are and how they organize into a hurricane.

• 4.

  Besides rain and wind gusts up to 240 mph (386 k/hr), a hurricane creates a storm surge (a bulge in the ocean) causing a steady, fast increase in tides. Imagine the consequences of these conditions! Think about these powerful weather elements as you prepare to illustrate them.

• 5.

  On white paper, use Crayola Slick Stix™ super-smooth crayons to show what you learned about hurricanes or other severe weather. Use your imagination to portray a scene depicting conditions such as the wind, rain, and storm surge. Blend the bright colors w

Benefits

• Students research the weather conditions necessary to form hurricanes or other severe storms.
• Students research past storms and their consequences.
• Students draw a powerful, realistic vision of hurricane forces.

Adaptations

• Stage a lively debate on questions such as these: Is the formation of hurricanes influenced by climate change? How can people influence some forces of nature?
• Learn the words and their meanings used throughout the world for "hurricane" (a Carib Indian word meaning big wind) and other types of storms.
• What is the difference between a storm watch and a storm warning? How can people prepare for violent storms? What is their impact on communities and families?
• Research the similarities and differences between hurricanes, typhoons, cyclones, tornadoes, and other extreme weather. Plot on a world map where these storms are most likely to occur. Explore the reasons why hurricanes do not form in the South Atlantic or southeastern Pacific Oceans.
• Assessment: Students explain the weather conditions that create a severe storm and identify the components of them in both words and illustrations.