RIC-3531 Primary Science - Book D (Digital)

Wild Winds!
Weather – Activity 4
Lesson Focus
Outcomes
Earth and Beyond
2.1 Records ways we monitor
and use information about
changes to the Earth.
Indicators
• Constructs an anemometer
to measure the force and
speed of wind.
• Identifies steps taken
to reduce the risks of
expected events like a
cyclone.
Skills Focus
• Records
• Infers
• Conducts simple tests
• Observes
• Explains findings
• Estimates
• Analyses text
Background Information
An anemometer is used by
meteorologists to measure wind
speeds. The ‘cups’ catch the
wind and spin. The speed of
the rotation is read by a special
device that converts it into wind
speed.
Sometimes, the natural weather
patterns are more extreme
than usual. These affect the
environment and people who
live in the area. They may cause
a great deal of damage and
sometimes even the death of
many people and animals.
Cyclones are powerful rotating
storms that form over warm
ocean waters. They are called
hurricanes when they start over
the Atlantic Ocean; typhoons
when they form over the western
Pacific Ocean; and cyclones
when they start over the Indian
Ocean or southern Pacific
Ocean. With heavy rains and
gusts of over 120 km/h, cyclones
can cause great damage. They
have an ‘eye’ of calm surrounded
by strong thunderstorms, high
winds and heavy rains. High
waves and damage to coastal
areas can also be produced.
Cyclones are detected by
weather stations that monitor
the winds with sophisticated
computer systems, radars and
satellites.
Before the Lesson
Materials Needed
Yoghurt pots, corks, pens, lids, dowel rod (thick and thin), wooden block, photographs
of people and places experiencing different strengths of wind, pictures or photographs of
cyclones or a windy day and the devastation they can cause, a kite (optional).
Preparation
• Display pictures and photographs around the classroom.
The Lesson
Stimulus
• Take the students outside to observe the wind blowing. Ask the students to describe
observations that tell them the wind is blowing; for example, the trees are moving or their
hair is moving. Ask the students to place a finger in their mouth and put it in the air. Can
they tell what direction the wind is blowing in? Fly a kite with your class watching. Let the
students tell you when the wind is strongest or weakest.
What to Do
• In groups, the students construct their model anemometer. Explain that meteorologist uses
an anemometer to read wind speed.
• Students complete question one of the blackline after observing an anemometer over a day.
• Read the newspaper article about ‘Cyclone Tracy’. Talk about the devastation that extreme
weather conditions can cause. Discuss pictures or photographs of cyclones and their
damage.
• Make a list of the students’ ideas about how people could prepare for a cyclone if they had a
warning it was coming.
• Introduce these ideas :
• Make sure that torches and portable radios are working.
• Clear loose materials and rubbish.
• Tie down equipment.
• Listen to television and radio warnings. • Board windows.
• Be prepared to move rapidly to adequate shelter.
• Disconnect electrical appliances and turn off gas valves.
• Stay away from windows.
• Stay underneath a mattress or strong table or desk.
• Remain indoors until the authorities say it is safe.
• Avoid using the telephone except in emergencies.
After the Lesson
Answers
1. Teacher check
2. (a) Teacher check (refer to list of introduced ideas for examples)
(b) Teacher check
Additional Activities
• Make a pinwheel using a 20-centimetre square of thin card, a straw and a
pin (place a blob of modelling clay or blu-tac on the end of the pin to avoid
pricks!) Draw diagonal lines across the square and cut halfway to the centre.
Fold the paper to the centre and press the pin through all of the paper.
• Research the Beaufort scale and how it is used to measure the force and
speed of wind.
Display ideas
• Display weather photos. Display a world map. Add research and pictures of other areas in
the world that have experienced extreme weather conditions like cyclones.
28 PRIMARY SCIENCE ~ R.I.C. Publications ® ~ www.ricpublications.com.au
ISBN 978-1-925660-54-8
©R.I.C. Publications
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