Concepts used:

Graphing

Data sets

Rate

24 Hour Clock


Grade level:

Grades 5-9


Subject areas:

Math

Science

English

Social Studies


Standards

NCTM

-Measurement

-Data Analysis

-Communication

-Connections

-Representation

-Technology


NETS*S

1b, 2b, 2c, 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6b

Typhoon Project

Objectives

  1. •Create an interactive graph of a historic event

  2. •Use spreadsheet data to chart and annotate coordinate positions with speed, date, and time.

  3. •Express time in 24 hour clock format

  4. •Measure and annotate distance

  5. •Use color and images to present information


Lesson Description

Included is an example of how Google Earth can be used to graph historic events, such as a typhoon or hurricane.  Google Earth allows students to interact with the data on several levels and include images in their presentation.  The “Play Tour” option lets the viewer follow the storm along its path as it intensifies.  In a sense, this is an interactive line graph.


Sample data and worksheets are included for download below, but this activity will be more meaningful to students if relevant data is used.  Storm data is available online in several locations.  The desired data should include the storm’s position by latitude and longitude for 6 hour time periods, and wind intensity.  It is recommended that these data sets be cleaned up by transferring the information into a spreadsheet for students.


The students plot the data into Google Earth by entering the latitude and longitude coordinates into placemarks.  The coordinate setting can be changed within Google Earth’s preferences from hours/minutes to decimal, if needed.  Specify the size and type of placemark labels and icons you wish the students to use.  Descriptions can be added to each placemark if desired.  This may include closest point of approach (CPA) distances found by using the ruler tool.


Next, have students draw a path connecting the placemarks.  The path and icons can be color-coded to indicate intensity of the storm.  Finally, add titles or storm images to complete the graph.


There are a number of extensions possible for this lesson.  One example might be offering students only a partial set of the data and asking them to predict and plot where they think the storm may go next.  Ask other teachers to add to the project.  Science can cover meteorology, Social Studies can incorporate historic research, and English can offer creative writing exercises. As a Project Based Learning activity, this activity will take students several days to complete.  Students can work together in pairs, taking turns reading and plotting data.


Sample downloads:

Typhoon Assignment - Word.doc

Pongsonga Data Sheet - Excel .xls file

Paka Data Sheet - Excel .xls file

Pongsonga Sample - Google Earth Kmz file

Paka Sample - Google Earth Kmz file


Data links:

Unisys data @ link 

Metcalf data @ link 



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