Middle school students, as scientists, investigate thermal energy transfer to answer the following driving question: Why did Hurricane Ida rapidly intensify as it moved through the Gulf of Mexico? Students begin by reviewing what they figured out in the previous lesson and what they decided to investigate next. Students analyze temperature data for the Gulf of Mexico between 8/27/21 and 8/29/21. They also watch a video showing satellite temperature data of a hurricane moving over ocean water. Students complete a notice and wonder routine about the data sources and propose ways to investigate their questions. During their investigations, students observe thermal energy transfer at the macroscopic and particle scales. Students apply their observations to hurricanes and then use a simulation to investigate the causes of hurricanes. Finally, students use the data and information obtained to develop a class consensus model explaining how Hurricane Ida rapidly intensified as it traveled through the Gulf of Mexico. 

This lesson is Lesson 2 of the Using Technology to Predict Hurricanes Unit

This unit was created in collaboration with Northrop Grumman and supported by the Northrop Grumman Foundation.

Click the Download PDF button above for the complete Lesson Plan.

Student Materials

Per Student

• L2 Student Guide

Per Small Group (2 to 4 students)

• Internet-connected device 

Teacher Materials

• NG_MSUNIT_L2_SLIDES
• Convection Carousel materials
  • Scissors
  • Aluminum foil
  • Wooden skewer
  • Plate
  • Oven Mitts
  • Four small candles or a heat lamp
• PhET: Gas Properties 

Optional Teacher Resources

• Additional Hurricane, Radar, and Satellite Information