What Happens to Wild Animals During a Hurricane?

WEATHER While humans have the ability to evacuate during an impending hurricane, wild animals don’t have that luxury. So as nearly 6 million humans are instructed to flee Hurricane Irma, what’s happening to our feathered, furred and scaled friends? (Miami Herald and The Telegraph) What is a hurricane? How does it work? Find out with our Forces of Nature interactive. Teachers, scroll down for a … Continue reading What Happens to Wild Animals During a Hurricane?

Harvey May Become the Rainiest Storm in U.S. History—and Here’s Why

WEATHER Several factors have combined to make the storm wetter than most, with potentially deadly consequences for the Texas coast. (Nat Geo News) Use MapMaker Interactive’s precipitation layer to put Harvey’s rainfall in perspective. Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers Toolkit. Discussion Ideas The Nat Geo News article reports that up to 50 inches of rain will fall … Continue reading Harvey May Become the Rainiest Storm in U.S. History—and Here’s Why

Joaquin Wreaks Havoc

WEATHER The hurricane currently battering the Bahamas exploded in intensity two days before forecasters predicted. (Nat Geo News) See what makes hurricanes tick by making one yourself—with our Forces of Nature interactive! Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources, including today’s MapMaker Interactive map and our Educator of the Week’s guidance on teaching about natural hazards. Discussion Ideas According to Nat Geo … Continue reading Joaquin Wreaks Havoc

Prepared for Pam

ENVIRONMENT When Cyclone Pam ripped across the tiny South Pacific island nation of Vanuatu, there were fears its monstrous winds could kill thousands. But as aid workers finally reached the archipelago’s hard-hit outer islands, it appeared that residents’ careful planning had spared the lives of most. (Associated Press) Use our activity to prepare for extreme natural events in your own community. Teachers, scroll down for … Continue reading Prepared for Pam

Weekly Warm-Up: What it Means to be Frozen in Space

When it comes to our planet, we are used to its seasons and weather patterns. And while we can predict the onset of hurricanes and tornadoes, it is often difficult to determine when earthquakes may strike or when volcanoes may erupt. By studying natural events on Earth, however, scientists can learn about other planets and their moons. By looking for commonalities in natural events and physical land formations, scientists … Continue reading Weekly Warm-Up: What it Means to be Frozen in Space