This lesson introduces the basics about how tornadoes are formed, and where and when they are most likely to occur. It includes a review of the current research on tornadoes and how scientists are trying to predict them. The equipment storm chasers use to study tornadoes is included. Students are asked to write a research plan for further study of tornadoes. Full description.

In this lesson, students explore the roles of oil and water in the Middle East, especially in Iraq. They use maps to look at the distribution of oil in the Middle East and discuss what it means for the different countries in the region. They also examine how water has influenced the region historically and politically (for example, how Iraq's access to water is limited to one small part of its border). ... Full description.

Through this activity, students learn about atmospheric carbon dioxide and its role in the greenhouse effect. They can identify the leading producers of carbon dioxide emissions and read about the global climate conference that was held in Kyoto, Japan, in 1997 to set international limits on these emissions. The material provides information to increase students' understanding of the implications ... Full description.

The National Climatic Data Center (NCDC) is the world's largest active archive of weather data. Climate data for cities and locations throughout the U.S. and around the world are available here. Products include land-based, upper air, satellite, and marine measurements of precipitation, wind, atmospheric pressure, clouds, and solar activity. Educators and government researchers can access many of ... Full description.

This description of the El Nino pattern in the eastern Pacific is from NASA's Earth Science Enterprise. In addition to text and diagrams, it provides three weather related activities for lab or classroom. Full description.

The Antarctic ice sheet changes in size over the course of a year. When it is summer in the southern hemisphere, the ice sheet decreases in size. As the ice sheet melts, it releases fresh water into the ocean. In the southern winter (our summer), the ice refreezes, drawing fresh water out of the surrounding ocean, leaving the salt behind. These seasonal changes in the ice sheet are examined in this ... Full description.

The National Weather Service provides weather and marine data from buoys surrounding North America, the Carribean, and Great Britain. Historical and realtime data are featured. Data include wind, waves, atmospheric pressure, air and water temperature, and dewpoint. Frequently Asked Questions explain how the marine stations collect and transmit data, how quality is assured, and how the National Data ... Full description.