(WC) Weather Patterns Lesson
Weather Patterns
Predicting weather is interesting to most people because our lives are so heavily influenced by the weather.
Activating Activity
For this activity you will make a tornado in a jar.
- Fill a large jar three-quarters full with water.
- Add a drop of liquid dish detergent to the water in the jar.
- Drop in a marble. (If you don't have a marble you could use a penny)
- Put the lid on the jar tightly.
- Swirl the jar in a circular motion until the water in the jar begins to spin.
Storms
A storm is identified as any violent disturbance in Earth's atmosphere. Sudden changes in air pressure, which would cause rapid air movement could cause a storm.
Compare Weather Events Chart
In your science notebook create a table like the one seen here. Leave plenty of space on your chart in between lines to add information to your chart as you learn and discover more about each of these topics.
| Thunderstorms | Tornadoes | Hurricanes | Snowstorms | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | ||||
| Precipitation | ||||
| Safety Rules |
Thunderstorms
When an area has heavy rainstorms that include thunder and lightning we called this a thunderstorm. Thunderstorms form in large cumulonimbus clouds or thunderheads. Typically thunderstorms begin when warm air is forced upward and then collides with a cold front. As the warm air rises it will cool and form dense clouds known as thunderheads. Thunderheads will release heavy rain and sometimes even hail.
What is lightning?
Lightning is a sudden spark, or an energy discharge, from positive and negative electrical charges that have been built up in storm clouds or between clouds and the ground.
Watch the following video to learn more about lightning.
What is thunder?
Thunder is the sound of the explosion that occurs when heated air rapidly expands.
Light travels faster than sound; therefore, you see lightning before you hear thunder.
Watch the following video to learn more about thunder.
The primary safety caution, during a thunderstorm, is to get inside a safe structure like a house. During thunderstorms avoid touching metal objects because they can conduct electricity from lightning into your body. Usually, lightning strikes the tallest nearby object. If you were to find yourself caught in an open space, like a golf course or field, and can't get to shelter you might be the tallest thing in that area. You may be tempted to seek shelter under a tree, but this is not a good idea because the tree could be struck, and the lightning might travel from the tree to you. It is best to get as low as possible, crouching with your hands around your knees and your head down. If you are swimming or in a boat, get to the shore and find shelter away from water. Inside your house avoid touching electrical appliances, or plumbing fixtures. 
Hurricanes and Tornadoes
A hurricane is a tropical storm distinguished by high winds. They begin over warm water as a low-pressure area, or tropical disturbance. As the tropical disturbance grows in size and strength it is upgraded to a tropical storm, which may then become a hurricane. Hurricanes get their energy from the warm, humid air at the ocean's surface.
At the center of a hurricane is a ring of clouds surrounding a quiet "eye". If you were in the path of a hurricane, you would experience winds that are continuously getting stronger as the eye approaches. Finally, once the eye arrives, suddenly the weather would change. The winds would become still and the sky may even seem clear. After the eye passes, the storm begins again, but now the wind would blow from the opposite direction.
Hurricanes can last a week or more drawing its energy from warm, moist air.
A tornado is a rapidly spinning, funnel-shaped cloud that reaches down from a storm cloud to Earth's surface. If a tornado occurs over a lake or the ocean it is called a waterspout. Tornadoes are typically brief, but they can be deadly. Tornadoes develop in low, heavy cumulonimbus clouds.
Watch the following video about hurricanes and tornadoes.
Severe Weather Safety
Safety during Tornadoes
The safest place to be during a tornado is in the basement of a well-built building. If there is no basement the safest place is the lowest level of the building you are in. It is important to stay away from doors that could break and fly through the air and to stay away from windows that could shatter sending shards of glass flying through the air. During a tornado it is a good idea to lie on the floor under a sturdy piece of furniture. Be mindful to protect your head, you could even take extra precaution by wearing a helmet you may have around for a sport. If you are caught outdoors or in a car or mobile home, move to a building or lie flat in a ditch.
Safety during Hurricanes
The primary way to ensure safety during a hurricane is to evacuate or move away temporarily.
If a hurricane warning is given, which means conditions are likely for a hurricane, you may be asked to evacuate to a safer location. If you must remain where you are be sure you are in a well built structure and move to the interior of the building, away from windows.
View the playlist below to watch these severe weather videos.
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