The Tornado Zone
A Webquest for 4th Grade Science
Designed by
Sharon Schuette
luvmbsc@yahoo.com
You are watching television when your favorite program is interrupted by a shrill noise. A message from the Emergency Broadcast System rolls across the screen," There has been a tornado sighted in your area!" What do you do? Where do you go?
Your job is to become a tornado expert so that you may teach your classmates how to keep themselves safe during severe weather. You must act quickly! The tornado is on its way!
In researching you should accomplish the following:
- Compile information in a journal.
- Design a model of a town hit by a tornado.
- Create a Power Point presentation.
Your teacher will assign you to a group. Within this group you are required to:
- First research tornadoes individually by clicking on the following:
· Ask Earl
- You will need to answer the following questions, and record your information in your journal.
1. Can you make a distinction between a wedge tornado and a classic tornado?
2. Where are most tornadoes likely to hit?
3. What conditions allow for a tornado to occur?
4. How do tornadoes differ from hurricanes?
5. What action would you take during a tornado if you were: outside, at school, and at home?
6. How far do tornados travel during a storm?
- After you have completed your individual research, get into your group and discuss your findings.
- Your group will then make a model of a town hit by a tornado. You may use supplies from the classroom. If necessary, you may wish to bring items from home to use on this project.
- Finally, you will create a Power Point presentation based on what you have learned as a group.
80 Points Possible
1. Answers question with accuracy in the individual's journal. 20 Points
2. Shows willingness to work with group members. Completes his or her part as expected. 20 Points
3. Design a creative model of a town hit by a tornado. 20 Points
4. Demonstrates knowledge of subject in group presentation. Presents information in a clear organized way. The group allows classmates to ask questions of his or her research. 20 Points
Now that you have learned warning signs of a tornado and the action you should take during a tornado, you may want to research other natural disasters: hurricanes, floods, or earthquakes. The more you know, the safer you will be!
Lesson Title: The Tornado Zone
Curricular Area: Science, Art, Reading, and Writing
Grade Level: 4th Grade
Length of Lesson: 1 Week
Materials: Art supplies are needed for the model of a town.
Prerequisite Learning: Knowledge of Power Point (if this skill is not developed yet, a research paper could be substituted for the presentation).
Graphics borrowed from clips-ahoy.com and free-clipart.net.