This interactive game and simulation helps students investigate the science behind why the wind blows and what causes tornadoes.
Students explore these concepts by witnessing how moving high and low pressure areas on a map affects the movement of air particles.
Teaching Tips
Positives
This game is a fun and intuitive way for students to explore the science behind wind and air masses.
This game is very easy to use for a wide range of students, from elementary through high school grade levels.
Additional Prerequisites
It is best if each student has their own computer or tablet.
Before the game begins, there is a short comic that students can click through or skip using the button in the bottom right corner.
A tutorial is available at the top of the game selection screen which explains the rules and setup of the game.
Differentiation
Some students may need assistance reading the speech bubbles at the bottom of the screen during the tutorial or figuring out how to access the "hints," which can be adjusted by clicking on the eye button.
Science classes can use this game to solidify students' understanding of how wind and extreme weather phenomena like tornadoes are formed.
Geography classes can use the digital map in the game to discuss map features used in weather maps, including the compass and symbols for air masses.
This resource could be used in combination with this game about the water cycle or this real-time map that visualizes wind speed and direction globally.
Scientist Notes
This simulator showcases the impact of atmospheric pressure on wind circulation. This is ideal to guide students to interpret the wind patterns and changes on the surface weather map in different locations. The resource is recommended for teaching.
Standards
Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
ESS2: Earth's Systems
MS-ESS2-5 Collect data to provide evidence for how the motions and complex interactions of air masses results in changes in weather conditions.
3-ESS2-1 Represent data in tables and graphical displays to describe typical weather conditions expected during a particular season.
College, Career, and Civic Life (C3) Standards
Dimension 2: Geography
D2.Geo.3.6-8 Use paper-based and electronic mapping and graphing techniques to represent and analyze spatial patterns of different environmental and cultural characteristics.
