Play Storm Dodger!

Play a game that helps your child understand that storms follow paths, and that a storm’s speed and direction can be tracked to help people make plans.

Before You Play

Ask your child what she knows about storms. If she gets stuck, explain that storms are heavy falls of rain or snow often with strong winds. Tell your child that today you’re going to play a game to help her learn more about how storms are tracked. Keep in mind that this game is designed to be played in pairs. Your child can play along with you, a sibling, or friend. You might watch the Cyberchase episode “The Emperor Has Snow Clothes” in advance of playing the game.

Materials

Directions

Assemble the game board. Print out the Storm Strip pattern. Use a permanent marker to trace a Storm Strip onto clear plastic. (Only one is strip needed for the game.) Print out the game board on cardstock. To attach the Storm Strip to the game board, push the paper fastener through the dot on both. (Cut slits first to make this easier.)

Review what your child knows about storms. Ask your child, "Think about a time when you heard that there was a storm watch or warning for our area. What kind of information were we given on the news or weather channel? (For example, numbers, pictures, reports, video, maps, etc.) What kind of information could you find out by going outside and using your senses, such as listening, looking, or even smelling?" Explain that storms often move from one location to another, which we can see on live satellite video and learn about from weather announcers and storm maps.

Talk about storm tracking. Ask, "Why do people need to be able to track storms and estimate times of arrival?" (To make plans, take precautions, etc.)

Go over the game rules with your child and game partner.

Discuss the Storm Strip: The strip is the path the storm will follow, and the path changes according to which of the six numbered mountains it points to. The paper clip is the storm’s current location, which advances during the game. Now you're ready to play!