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Tornado Tears Through Midwest (p. 309)


Step 1. Questions

If the right weather conditions exist, tornadoes can strike at any time. It is important to know how to stay safe in case a tornado comes through your town.

Write a fictional story about a tornado that strikes your town. You will research tornadoes and tornado safety. Here are some questions to guide your research:
  • What is a tornado?
  • How can I stay safe during a tornado?
  • How can community members work together to rebuild after a tornado?
Are you ready? Begin by visiting the Web sites listed in Step 2. Look for answers to the questions above, and write down what you learn in the boxes.

With teacher supervision, you may use search engines to research other Web sites. You also can research tornadoes at the library. When you are ready, follow Steps 3 and 4 to write your story.


Step 2. Research

Research answers to the questions you were asked in Step 1. Visit these Web sites. Take notes about them on this page, too!


Toolbox Tip: Click here to learn how to install a plug-in.


Look Out for Dangerous Weather!
Learn all about tornadoes at this Web site. Look at the map to see where most tornadoes form. Then click TORNADO STORY and TORNADO SAFETY to ready more about what it is like to be close to a tornado and how to stay safe. Pay close attention to the safety rules that are mentioned after the tornado story. Read about how tornadoes form by clicking HOW TORNADOES FORM.
Take Notes:



Tornadoes
Visit this FEMA for Kids Web site to read about tornadoes. Click THINGS TO KNOW and HOW TO PROTECT YOUR HOME FROM DISASTERS. You can learn ways to prepare for a tornado, how to stay safe during a tornado, and how to rebuild after a tornado. You may wish to look at PETS AND DISASTERS to learn more about how to care for animals in the event of a tornado.
Take Notes:



Power of Tornadoes
Click START THE TOUR to learn facts about tornadoes. Be sure to read the Fast Facts at the bottom of the page. Click EFFECT ON HOMES to read about staying safe during a tornado. Each page has a movie to help you understand the facts. Click the picture on the page to see the movie.
Take Notes:



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