Weather Forecasting: Epic Classroom Mission

Storyline

Using their weather forecasting skills, the crew will outsmart Moodoo to help Tellenor react correctly to severe weather.

After Moodoo has tampered with Tellenor's weather forecasting system, the crew will need to figure out what weather condition is actually happening based on real-time footage and maps. Then, they will decide the best way to correctly respond to and prepare for the weather.

Est. time: 23 min.

Targeted Standards

3-Dimensional Science

Phenomenon

Forecasted weather patterns have an effect on human behavior.

Science and Engineering Practices

Asking Questions and Defining Problems

The crew asks questions about the weather on Tellenor and how the citizens should respond to it, based on the real weather forecast.

Analyzing and Interpreting Data

The crew analyzes and interprets the data from Moodoo's false weather report, as well as the real-time video and radar footage of the weather on Tellenor, to determine the true conditions and how to respond.

Engaging in Argument from Evidence

The crew engages in informal argument by determining the correct response to the thunderstorm based on the evidence provided.

Crosscutting Concepts

Cause and Effect

The mission involves understanding the cause and effect relationship between weather conditions and how people should respond. For example, identifying a thunderstorm as the cause of the dangerous situation and staying indoors as the appropriate effect/response.

Patterns

The crew has to notice inconsistencies in Moodoo's false weather report and the actual footage of the weather. This involves recognizing patterns in weather indicators and distinguishing between real and fake information.

Disciplinary Core Ideas

ESS2.D: Weather and Climate

Weather is the combination of sunlight, wind, snow or rain, and temperature in a particular region at a particular time. People measure these conditions to describe and record the weather and to notice patterns over time.

The mission involves understanding weather patterns and their impact on human activities. The crew helps the people of Tellenor understand the true weather conditions (thunderstorm) and how they should react.

ESS3.B: Natural Hazards

Some kinds of severe weather are more likely than others in a given region. Weather scientists forecast severe weather so that the communities can prepare for and respond to these events.

The mission addresses the impact of natural hazards, such as thunderstorms, on human lives and the importance of accurate weather forecasts for safety. The crew helps the people of Tellenor to understand the real hazards and respond accordingly.

Forecast Fiasco