Skip to Main Content
Lesson Plan Image

Weathering the Storm

Learning the science behind storms will inspire artwork based on weather phenomena.
Print Now

Lesson Plan

Supplies Needed

Gather all the supplies needed to bring your craft ideas to life! From paints and markers to glue and scissors, our crafts section has everything to spark creativity and make every project truly special.

  • Construction Paper
  • Oil Pastels

Steps

  • Step 1

    What is lightning? What causes the rumble of thunder? Have students learn about how charged particles produce static electricity which creates lightning and how the heat from a lightning bolt causes air to expand, which creates the sound of thunder. Ask them to think about how they feel during a thunderstorm. Is it calming or stressful? What puts them at ease? What indoor activities occupy them during a storm?

  • Step 2

    Ask students to create a drawing featuring a house, building, cabin, or other dwelling during a storm. Encourage them to embellish the border with artistic flourishes that evoke the mood of the art.

  • Step 3

    Have students present their scenes and talk about how the weather affects their moods and their activities.

Standards

SCI: Ask questions about the features of phenomena observed and conclusions drawn from investigations or models.

SCI: Develop a model using an example to describe ways the geosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and/or atmosphere interact.

Adaptations

Invite a local meteorologist (perhaps from a local network affiliate, government office, or university) or other weather expert to talk to the class about weather phenomena.

Demonstrate the ability of static electricity to attract objects by making a "magic wand." Scatter some confetti or small scraps of paper on a table. Rub a plastic rod such as a ruler or pen vigorously against a piece of wool fabric, then slowly bring the charged rod near the paper pieces. Watch as the paper rises up to meet the "magic wand."