Monster Storms: Weather; Severe Storm Science & Preparation

Students explore hurricanes, tornadoes, and other extreme weather events to learn how research and technology help us better understand, forecast, and prepare.

Developed in partnership with NOAA, NASA, and the National Geographic Society, Operation: Monster Storms examines current research to improve forecasting, allowing communities to better prepare for storms and avoid their destructive potential.

From collecting data on the ground to using instruments in the sky and analyzing satellite images from space, students join leading weather scientists as they explore wild weather while learning key science concepts.

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Mission 1: Profiling the Suspects – Trouble Brewing in Earth’s Atmosphere

Students are guided by NASA researcher Anthony Guillory, who studies hurricane and tropical storm mechanics as they learn about what defines a storm and heat flow in our atmosphere. Games, activities, articles, and videos guide student interest and develop a foundational knowledge of Earth’s dynamic atmosphere.

Target Audience:

Grades 4-12

Examples of Key Concepts and Vocabulary:

The Greenhouse Effect, hurricane, tornado, air pressure, wind, radiation, conduction, convection, electromagnetic spectrum

Featured Game:

Monster Storms – Vocab Challenge – Mission 1, Convection

Mission 2: The Plot Condenses – Air and Water

Through hands-on experiments, articles, videos, and interactives, students come to understand how water interacts with the air to create different weather events. Introduced by a Robbie Hood, a NASA scientist, this mission has students explore the science behind precipitation.

Target Audience:

Grades 4-12

Examples of Key Concepts and Vocabulary:

States of Matter, water cycle, atmosphere, cumulonimbus, nimbostratus, humidity

Featured Game:

Monster Storms – Vocab Challenge – Mission 2, Convection

Mission 3: The Chase – On the Run in Tornado Alley

Led by storm chaser Tim Samaras, this mission has apply their knowledge of forces and Newton’s Laws of Motion to explore the universe around them. Through hands-on experiments, articles, videos, and interactives, students learn about the forecasting of thunderstorms, lightning, and tornadoes.

Target Audience:

Grades 4-12

Examples of Key Concepts and Vocabulary:

Dew point, air temperature, weather, electrical instability, Fujita Scale, tornado alley

Featured Game:

Monster Storms – Vocab Challenge – Mission 3

Mission 4: The Hunt – Flying into the Eye

Students are introduced to NOAA research meteorologist Jason Dunion, who predicts and tracks hurricanes. They explore the formation, evolution, and tracking of hurricanes through a variety of multimedia resources (articles, videos, activities, simulations).

Target Audience:

Grades 4-12

Examples of Key Concepts and Vocabulary:

Tropical cyclone, wind shear, Saharan Air Layer, satellites, hurricane hunter aircraft, doppler radar

Featured Game:

Monster Storms – Vocab Challenge – Mission 4

Mission 5: The Recovery – Living with Monster Storms

Through hands-on experiments, articles, videos, and games, students learn how STEM role models protect and minimize the loss of life and vital assets before, during, and after a storm. Students will explore the risks associated with hurricanes, as well as how to prepare for storm surges, winter storms, droughts, and other extreme weather events.

Target Audience:

Grades 4-12

Examples of Key Concepts and Vocabulary:

Drought, winter storm, preparedness, storm surge, hazards

Featured Game:

Monster Storms – Vocab Challenge – Mission 5

Videos

60 minutes of videos introduce teachers and students to some of the world’s top explorers and key science concepts. Our video content is seamlessly woven throughout the curriculum, offering a gateway into the exciting world of exploration and adventure.

Digital Labs and Games

Digital Labs allow students to explore the scientists’ work through interactive online games.

Interested in Bringing JASON Learning to Your School?

For Superintendents & Principals:
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For Teachers & Classrooms:
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