Scenario

Danielle's mom is being transferred to Baum, Kansas, and her family is preparing to move. Danielle has heard that Kansas has a lot of tornadoes. Her mom suggests that Danielle find out about tornadoes and see how her family can prepare for them. In this WebQuest, you will help Danielle find information about tornadoes and learn ways families can protect themselves.

Task

As you discover the answers to the following questions, record them on your worksheet.

1. Go to: Ask Jack FAQ: Tornado Science Questions (http://www.usatoday.com/weather/askjack/wfaqtorn.htm) and scroll down to find the answers to the following questions:

• What is a tornado?
• Where do most tornadoes come from?
• At what time of year do tornadoes occur most?

2. Go to: What is "Tornado Alley?" (http://windows.ivv.nasa.gov/cgi-bin/tour_def/earth/Atmosphere/tornado/alley.html) Danielle has heard of this. Describe what Tornado Alley is.

• Is Kansas in Tornado Alley?
• Is Illinois in Tornado Alley?

3. Danielle wants to help her family prepare for the time when a tornado may happen. She wonders what the difference is between a tornado watch and a tornado warning. Go to: What Watches, Warnings Mean (http://www.usatoday.com/weather/wds7.htm)and scroll down the page to find out.

• A tornado watch is:
• A tornado warning is:

4. Go to: Tornado preparation and safety tips: At Home (http://www.usatoday.com/weather/wtorsaf1.htm) and read about the ways you can practice to be safe.

• As tornado season approaches, what three actions should a family take?
• There are seven tips. You may put them in your own words.
• As you read farther down in this article, you see a list of supplies every home should have. Copy the list.

Product

Following the preparation and safety tips you have learned about, create a plan for your family to practice and use. Create a poster you can display in your home that tells your family where to go and what to do if a tornado should occur.