STEM Instructional Materials

This unit explores Performance Expectations MS-ESS2-5 and MS-ESS2-6 to engage students in constructing an explanation through modeling and analyzing data for why so many tornados occur in the United States, and specifically ‘Tornado Alley!

Unit Overview

Grades: 6-8

Duration: 25 sessions

Materials

  • Computers with internet access
  • Blank map of the U.S.
  • Chart paper an markers
  • Materials From Catastrophic Events (STC) Kit (Lessons 2-6):
    • Student Sheets 2.1, 3.1a, 3.1b, 4.1
    • metric rulers
    • Colored pencils
    • Graph paper
    • 1 plastic box with lid
    • Vortex models
    • glass beakers
    • digital thermometers
    • cardboard strips
    • 1 clamp lamp with bulb
    • 2 bookends
    • Stopwatches
    • transparencies of graph paper
    • Blue and red transparencies
    • Access to electricity
    • Convection tubes
    • Plastic container with hot water
    • Plastic container with crushed ice
    • Digital thermometer
    • Paper towel
    • Rubber bands
    • Plastic wrap
    • Plastic tubing
    • Funnel
    • Punk stick
    • Flashlight
    • Aluminum pan
    • Scissors
    • Tea candle
    • 2L plastic soft drink bottles with caps
    • Beaker with hot water
    • Beaker of cold water
    • Ice cubes
    • Weather maps from 3 consecutive days.