Winter Storm Preparation

Iowans are not strangers to severe winter weather, as seen in the photo after a winter ice storm. Weather forecasting can help keep us safe during those events through preparation and safe responses to severe winter weather.

Image

Roland

Iowa Core Standard

K-ESS3-2

Ask questions to obtain information about the purpose of weather forecasting to prepare for, and respond to, severe weather

Driving Question

How can we prepare for blizzards and snowstorms?

Probing Questions

The photo was taken after an ice storm. What do you notice in the photo?
What do you think is the difference between regular weather and severe weather?
How might you prepare for severe weather at home and school?
What are things you could do to stay safe during a winter weather such as an ice storm, blizzard or winter snow storm?

Classroom Suggestions

Students could:

Create a list of what happens before, during and after a blizzard. Students can draw pictures of what it might look like outside.
Discuss how we prepare for severe weather at school (ex. tornado drills, blizzards) and talk about the importance of a plan.
Have a staff member at your school explain how they get the school, playground, and parking lot ready for a blizzard or snowstorm.
Have a meteorologist visit and discuss how they help people prepare and what students should know to be ready in case of a weather emergency like a blizzard.
Create a blizzard plan or kit for at home by brainstorming different item they would need in a kit and different jobs family members might need to do before, during or after a snowstorm.

Resources

Generation Genius | Introduction to Weather: Video and lesson materials to build background knowledge.
Mystery Science | How Can You Get Ready for a Storm?: A kindergarten level activity to help kids think about how to know how to get ready for a storm.

Contributors

Phenomena submitted by Paige Petzenhauser.