Objective

By the end of this lesson, the student will understand what a tornado is, how it forms, and the purpose of tornado sirens. They will be able to explain these concepts in their own words and engage in fun activities related to tornadoes.

Materials and Prep

• Paper
• Crayons or markers
• Space to move around for activities
• A quiet area to listen to sounds

Before the lesson, ensure you have a safe and comfortable space for activities. Be ready to explain tornadoes in simple terms, and think of fun ways to demonstrate how they form.

Activities

• Tornado Drawing:

  Have the student draw a picture of a tornado. Encourage them to add details like clouds and wind. Ask them to explain their drawing after they finish.

• Tornado Dance:

  Play some fun music and let the student pretend to be a tornado. They can spin around and move in a swirling motion. This helps them understand how tornadoes move!

• Tornado Siren Sounds:

  Make a loud "whooo" sound together to mimic a tornado siren. Explain that this sound helps keep people safe during a tornado!

Talking Points

• "A tornado is a big, spinning wind that can touch the ground! It looks like a funnel."
• "Tornadoes form when warm air meets cold air. They mix together and can make a tornado!"
• "Tornado sirens are loud sounds that help people know when a tornado is coming. It's like a warning bell!"
• "When we hear a tornado siren, we need to find a safe place, like a basement or a small room."
• "Tornadoes can be very strong, but we can stay safe by listening to the sirens and following instructions!"