This unit explores Performance Expectations MS-ESS2-5 and MS-ESS2-6 to engage students in constructing an explanation through modeling and analyzing data for why so many tornados occur in the United States, and specifically ‘Tornado Alley!
Unit Overview
Grades: 6-8
Duration: 25 sessions
Materials
- Computers with internet access
- Blank map of the U.S.
- Chart paper an markers
- Materials From Catastrophic Events (STC) Kit (Lessons 2-6):
- Student Sheets 2.1, 3.1a, 3.1b, 4.1
- metric rulers
- Colored pencils
- Graph paper
- 1 plastic box with lid
- Vortex models
- glass beakers
- digital thermometers
- cardboard strips
- 1 clamp lamp with bulb
- 2 bookends
- Stopwatches
- transparencies of graph paper
- Blue and red transparencies
- Access to electricity
- Convection tubes
- Plastic container with hot water
- Plastic container with crushed ice
- Digital thermometer
- Paper towel
- Rubber bands
- Plastic wrap
- Plastic tubing
- Funnel
- Punk stick
- Flashlight
- Aluminum pan
- Scissors
- Tea candle
- 2L plastic soft drink bottles with caps
- Beaker with hot water
- Beaker of cold water
- Ice cubes
- Weather maps from 3 consecutive days.
