Hurricanes vs.Wetlands: A Rainy Day Activity

from Alex Walker Introduction: (for grades 2 through 3) Did you ever wonder how a hurricane gains or loses strength as it gets closer to land? Scientists are studying the impact of various ecosystems on the strength of a hurricane as it approaches land. In this experiment using different household materials, you and your parent/guardian will explore how a hurricane might gain or lose strength when approaching a wetland. Materials Needed:

• Tea Kettle
• 3 Types of Materials: Cotton Cloth, Cheese Cloth, Polyester, Wool (Try for three materials with different thicknesses.)
• Hurricane Strength Observation Sheet (Click to download)
• A dark backdrop for optimal observation conditions

Instructions: Safety Note: Be sure that this project is done with an adult and that everyone is wearing long sleeves. When holding the material up to the steam, wear oven mitts.

1. Fill the tea kettle with water.
2. Turn on the hot plate or stove and wait for the water to boil.
3. As the water boils and steam is coming out of the kettle's spout, hold up each material to the steam for 5-10 seconds while making observations.

Discussion: The steam represents the hurricane and the various materials represent different kinds of wetlands. Describe how you saw the steam react when you used each material. Discuss what you think this tells us about what happens to hurricanes when they approach different types of wetlands. Based on your observations, do you think wetlands help protect areas from hurricanes? How can you learn more about this topic? Use words and pictures. Additional Resources and Links: Storm that Drowned a City from NOVA Teachers online. Wild About Weather: 50 Wet, Windy & Wonderful Activities By Edward Brotak

Hurricanes!  By Gail Gibbons

What is your child's favorite type of weather to watch/study?

Alex Walker is an instructor who has taught in CTD's Summer, Saturday Enrichment and Gifted LearningLinks programs. His upcoming GLL Winter Enrichment class  is called "The Impact of Rock n' Roll" and is open to students in grades 6 through 8. Sign up here.