Name that Hurricane

Purpose: To learn how and why hurricanes are named

Materials

• internet connection
• science journal
• pencil

Procedure

1. Conduct an internet search to learn how hurricanes are named. You may want to begin your search with http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/aboutnames.html
2. After researching hurricane names, create a list of names of your own for possible future use. Be sure to include both genders and different ethnic groups.

Conclusion

1. Are there different names for tropical storms in the Pacific Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean? Why or why not?
2. When did the U.S. begin to use female names for hurricanes and why?
3. Originally, hurricanes were given only female names. Why do you think this changed in 1978?
4. Hurricanes in the Atlantic Ocean are now named using both English and Spanish names. Explain why.

Extension

1. Create a story, play, or illustration that depicts a hurricane from the time it is "born" to the time it makes landfall. Be sure to include details of the storm's time line, its name, and unique characteristics.
2. Pretend you are a meteorologist monitoring a storm and write a journal entry for each day of the storm's life. Be sure to include all the weather details!
3. Pretend you are a news reporter covering a hurricane about to approach the coast. Write an article for your newspaper and/or a news report to be aired on the local weather channel.