Michelle Patinella
Science Unit Plan
Lesson ONE: Introduction to Tornadoes
Time frame: 40-45 minutes
Objectives:
*Students will reflect on previous knowledge and experiences relating to tornadoes using a K-W-L chart.
*Students will understand the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning.
*Students will learn about tornado safety procedures.
*Students will evaluate the tornado preparedness system in their school and create their own tornado safety posterboards for the classroom.
*Students will evaluate where the safe place during a tornado is in their own home.
Standards:
*Standard 12E: Know and apply the concepts that describe the features of the Earth and its resources. *11.A.2a- Formulate questions on a specific science topic *11.A.2c- Construct charts and visualizations to display data
Materials:poster board, markers,The Weather ChannelTornadoes video, “The Safe Place” worksheets
Procedure:
1. During the introduction, I will address what the students may already know about tornadoes and briefly go over how tornadoes are formed. After addressing basic comments made by students of their previous knowledge of tornadoes, the class will begin filling in a K-W-L chart. The students will make comments on what they already know about tornadoes and what they would like to know about tornadoes and I will write down the statements.
2. Students will then watch a 5-minute Tornadoes tape provided by The Weather Channel. While watching the video, the students will be asked to write down any information about tornadoes they find while watching. Following the viewing of the video, I will ask students, what they learned from the video that they had not already known; how tornadoes are formed and other facts they may have written during the viewing. The statements students make will be added to the “Learned” section of the K-W-L chart.
3. I will proceed into the lesson by stressing that a tornado is the most violent of windstorms and ask, "What do you think people can do to try to stay safe during tornadoes? Let's find out!” We will discuss the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning. Also, we will discuss tornado danger signs and tornado safety procedures when indoors, outdoors, and in a car.
4. Students are divided into groups and make posters with the safety procedures discussed. They will be posted around the room after completion.
5. Discuss the school's disaster plan with students. End the lesson by having a tornado with the class.
6. For homework, students are assigned The Safe Place activity. “Before a tornado hits, it is important to know where the safe place is in your home. The safest place to be is underground in a basement or storm cellar. If you do not have a basement or cannot get to it, you should go to a room that does not have windows or walls that face the outside. A bathroom or closet is usually a good place to go during a tornado.” Students must find the safe place in their home. They draw a picture of their home and point out the safe place. This activity should be done with the students’ families.
Assessment: K.L.W chart, safety procedures poster boards, participation in tornado drill, The Safe Place activity
Sources cited:
I think there is a lot going on in this lesson. You will need to narrow the focus and activities in this lesson. In addition, it is very teacher driven implying that most of the information students will learn will be controlled by the teacher. I would like to see more elements of inquiry. I would suggest for the focus to be tornado formation or tornadoes and safety.