Hurricanes as Heat Engines StoryMap

Overview

Using various visualizations (i.e., images, charts, and graphs), students will explore the energy exchange that occurs when hurricanes extract heat energy from the ocean. This StoryMap is intended to be used with students who have access to the internet in a 1:1 or 1:2 setting.

Materials Required

Resources Needed Per Student:

• Student Data Sheet or Student Data Form
• Computer/Tablet
• Internet Access
• Link to Hurricanes as Heat Engines StoryMap

Directions

1. Using an internet accessible device, students open the link to the Hurricanes as Heat Engines StoryMap Lesson to begin their exploration of this phenomenon.
2. Distribute the Hurricanes as Heat Engines StoryMap Student Data Sheet. Have students navigate on their own through the Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, and Evaluate tabs of the StoryMap to answer the questions and complete the activities on their student data sheet.

Teacher Note

The passage of a hurricane causes a large transfer of heat between the ocean surface and the atmosphere. It also causes surface waters to diverge, bringing cooler water from below to the surface (upwelling). These effects are so large that they can be seen by a drop in sea surface temperature (SST) in satellite data observations along the path of the storm. The cooler water conditions may last for a week or longer after the storm.

To learn more, visit: 

• The Hurricane Dynamics Phenomena page for background information

Teachers who are interested in receiving the answer key, please complete the Teacher Key Request and Verification Form. We verify that requestors are teachers prior to sending access to the answer keys as we’ve had many students try to pass as teachers to gain access.

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