Lesson Plan: When Nature Strikes: Analyzing Severe Weather Through Hurricane Helene’s Impact

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Hurricane Helene makes landfall in Florida as Category 4 storm

Objective: Students will explore the causes and impacts of severe weather changes, using the recent Hurricane Helene in Florida as a case study. They will understand the factors contributing to severe weather and discuss the implications for communities and the environment.

Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida’s Big Bend region as a powerful Category 4 storm, bringing intense winds, storm surge, and heavy rainfall. Key points include:

  1. Landfall: Helene hit near Keaton Beach, Florida, with maximum sustained winds of 145mph.
  2. Rapid Intensification: The storm strengthened quickly before landfall, catching many by surprise.
  3. Storm Surge: A storm surge of up to 16 feet was predicted in some areas, posing a significant threat.
  4. Evacuation Orders: Mandatory evacuation orders were issued for 22 counties in Florida.
  5. Historical Context: Helene is the strongest hurricane to hit the Big Bend area since Hurricane Easy in 1950.
  6. Preparations: Officials warned residents to take the storm seriously, with Gov. Ron DeSantis activating the National Guard.
  7. Power Outages: Widespread power outages were expected, with utility companies preparing for restoration efforts.
  8. Climate Change: Experts noted that climate change is making hurricanes more intense and destructive.
  9. Comparison to Ian: The article mentions Hurricane Ian, which devastated parts of Florida in 2022, as a recent reference point for severe hurricane impacts.

Materials:

Introduction:

  1. Entry Activity:
    • Begin by showing the NBC News video of Hurricane Helene’s damage in Cedar Key, Florida.
    • Ask students to jot down their initial observations and reactions.
    • Facilitate a brief discussion about what they saw, encouraging students to share their thoughts on the storm’s impact.
  1. Discussion:
    • Ask students what they know about hurricanes and other severe weather events.
    • Introduce key terms: hurricane, storm surge, wind speed, evacuation, and emergency preparedness.
  2. Key Concepts Introduction:
    • Introduce essential hurricane terminology using the Weather.com article.
    • Create a word wall with key terms like hurricane, storm surge, wind speed, evacuation, and emergency preparedness.

Main Activity:

  1. Jigsaw Group Work
    • Divide students into expert groups, each focusing on:
      a) Hurricane formation and intensification
      b) Storm surge and flooding impacts
      c) Wind damage and effects
      d) Emergency response and preparedness
    • Provide each group with relevant sections from the StormGeo guide and CBS News article.
    • Groups research their topics and prepare to teach others.
    • Hurricane Helene Case Study:
      • Present the following information about Hurricane Helene:
        • Made landfall in Florida’s Big Bend region as a Category 4 storm with 145 mph winds. CNN
        • Caused catastrophic flooding in western North Carolina, with some areas receiving over 30 inches of rain. CBS NEWS
        • Resulted in at least 215 deaths across multiple states. NBC NEWS
        • Devastated agriculture in Georgia, with cotton and pecan crops facing near-complete losses. NBC NEWS
        • Left nearly 1 million customers without power across the Southeast
        • New hurricane threatens Florida as it reels from devastation. BBC

Interactive Map Analysis

    • Use the CBS News article’s maps to analyze Hurricane Helene’s path and impacts.
    • Discuss why certain areas were more affected and the role of geography in hurricane impacts.

Discussion and Reflection

  1. Class Discussion:
    • How did Helene’s size and intensity contribute to its widespread impacts?
    • What role did climate change play in Helene’s development and destructiveness?
    • How can communities improve their resilience to such extreme weather events?
  2. Think-Pair-Share:
    • Students reflect on the lessons learned from Helene for future disaster preparedness.
    • They share ideas for individual and community preparedness strategies.

Conclusion

  1. Summary:
    • Review key points about Hurricane Helene and severe weather preparedness.
    • Highlight the importance of understanding and preparing for severe weather events.
  2. Exit Ticket:
    • Students write one new thing they learned and one question they still have about severe weather.

Homework:

    • Students find a recent severe weather event from another part of the world.
    • They create a brief digital presentation comparing this event to Hurricane Helene, analyzing similarities and differences in causes, impacts, and response efforts.

Assessment:

    • Participation in jigsaw activities and discussions
    • Quality of information shared in teaching groups
    • Completion and quality of exit ticket and homework assignment

Materials:

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