Juniper, the cartographer, needs students' help as she wants to set up a weather station somewhere on the island. In the course of trying to find a good location for the weather station, the players see a waterspout and spend time investigating storm formation.
MS-ESS2-5. Collect data to provide evidence for how the motions and complex interactions of air masses result in changes in weather conditions.
Waterspout formation; weather, weather patterns, air masses, storm
This storyline helps students understand that weather can be unpredictable, even when we take every measure to measure conditions. This storyline is a great springboard for investigating other weather phenomena and the tools scientists use to predict and measure.
While searching for the perfect spot to build a permanent weather station on the island, players spot a water spout off the coast! Eager to gather information on the rare weather pattern, Juniper halts the search for the weather station in favor of learning all she can about the water spout.
Players examine data gathered just before and just after the water spout appeared to discover what specific weather patterns lead to the formation of water spouts, and what this means for the island. Is the island constantly inundated with water spouts?
Once students have learned all they can about water spouts, they must put their knowledge to the test. Is it possible to predict the next water spout before it happens? Is it ever possible to predict weather patterns with 100% accuracy? Juniper alters her plans for the permanent weather station based on students' discoveries!
