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Subject: ScienceLesson Title: Weather Observations: Should the GameBe Played? (Grade Levels: Elementary, 3-5)Goals/Objectives:• The student will describe the weather predicted at game time by measurablequantities, including temperature, wind direction, wind speed, precipitation andbarometric pressure. When given real or hypothetical weather conditions, the studentwill discuss the likelihood of a game being delayed or suspended.National Standards Met:• Ohio Science Content Standard: Earth and Space Sciences• Benchmark: Analyze weather and changes that occur over a period of time.• 4th Grade Indicator: Describe weather by measurable quantities such as temperature,wind direction, wind speed, precipitation and barometric pressure.Methods/Procedures:1. Severe weather conditions can threaten the safety of both football players andspectators during games and practice sessions. Here are a few guidelines that aregenerally used:• Weather conditions that can cause games to be delayed or cancelled includelightning, severe storms, tornadoes, high heat/humidity and a low wind-chill index.• Athletic programs should use Weather Radio equipped with the emergency alertsystem provided by the nearest National Weather Service broadcast station.• If lightning exists, find the closest safe shelter. Monitor how near the lightning isstriking and the number of seconds between the time lightning is sighted and thetime thunder is heard. All players and spectators should have left the playing areabefore the flash-to-band count reaches 30 seconds. Play or practice should notcontinue until 15-30 minutes have passed after the last clap of thunder or flash oflightning.• If a severe thunderstorm watch or warning is issued during a game or within threehours of a game, the competition should be suspended and all players andspectators should move rapidly to safe shelter. If outdoors during a thunderstorm,players should avoid standing near structures in open areas, including tall objectsthat project above the landscape such as large isolated trees, water andgrounded objects.• Wait at least 30 minutes after the storm has passed before returning to the game,or until the National Weather Service suspends the watch or warning.• When there is rain without a thunderstorm, teams usually play in spite of waterand mud. Game officials and coaches must stay informed of the approach ofsevere weather and take cover early.• If a tornado watch or warning is issued during a game or within three hours of agame, the competition is usually cancelled. When there is a threat of a tornado,everyone should go indoors to the basement or lowest interior level of a buildingSCIENCENew England Patriots Edition 93 Pro Football Hall of Fame Educational Outreach Program