Leanna Casale Date: Tuesday, December 5th

Mrs. Evans Time: 12:30 PM

Grade: 3
Subject: Science
Day 7: Whirly Twirly Tornadoes

Essential Question: What are the characteristics of a tornado? How are they measured?
How are they formed? How does the wind and tornadoes affect humans? What are some
basic tornado safety?

Standard: 3-ESS3-1 Make a claim about the merit of a design solution that reduces the
impacts of a weather-related hazard.

Learning Objectives and Assessments

Objectives Assessments

SWBAT create a tornado in a bottle and be Teacher will listen in on the students
able to explain what is happening. conversation to check for understanding.

SWBAT explain the characteristics of a Teacher will provide the students with true
tornado, how it forms, and safety or false statements and call on students for
precautions to take. answer.

Materials
20 clear plastic bottles with caps
Water
Glitter
Dish washing liquid
Pixie cups

Prior Knowledge: Students know what a tornado is but may not know specific
characteristics, how they form, or safety precaution they should take.

Lesson Beginning: Students will be called to the carpet. Teacher will read the riddle, This
is a type of extreme weather, that stretches from earth to sky. It is strong enough to uproot
trees. Its center is called an eye. Teacher will read Sky Stirs Up Trouble by Belinda Jensen.

Instructional Plan
Students will return to their seats to view pictures/videos of tornados.
Teacher will explain the characteristics of a tornado, how they form, and how to
keep safe if one is near through a PowerPoint.
Students will make a tornado in a bottle.
o Fill the plastic bottle with water until it reaches around three quarters full.
o Add a few drops of dishwashing liquid.
 o Sprinkle in a few pinches of glitter (this will make your tornado easier to
see).
o Put the cap on tightly.
o Turn the bottle upside down and hold it by the neck. Quickly spin the bottle
in a circular motion for a few seconds, stop and look inside to see if you can
see a mini tornado forming in the water. You might need to try it a few times
before you get it working properly.

Differentiation: Students will be able to learn about tornados through a story, videos,
pictures, and a hands-on activity. This lesson supports all types of learners. Bottles will
already be filled with water and glitter and dish soap will be measured out for each group.

Questions
What are the characteristics of a tornado?
How are they measured?
How are they formed?
How does the wind and tornadoes affect humans?
What are some basic tornado safety?

Classroom Management: The teacher will use classroom protocol and enforce the
classroom rules.

Transitions: Teacher will give students reminders about timing. Teacher will use clapping
and the chime to gather students attention.

Conclusion: Teacher will provide the students with statements about tornados. The
students will have to report whether the statement is true or false on their white boards.