Teacher Overview: Storm Chaser Challenge
Storm Chaser Challenge is an interactive, standards-aligned educational adventure designed to teach elementary students core concepts about weather in an exciting and engaging way. In this online escape room-style experience, students take on the role of junior storm chasers following a series of clues across diverse weather environments—using scientific reasoning and vocabulary knowledge to complete their mission.
This no-prep lesson is supported by a robust collection of teacher resources, including:
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A fully interactive online educational adventure
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Standards-based vocabulary trading cards for student reference
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A concise instructional video that introduces key concepts
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A comprehensive lesson plan tailored for one class period
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Optional teaching dialogue for guided facilitation
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A complete answer key for quick reference
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And more to make implementation easy and effective
Whether used for whole-class instruction or independent learning, Storm Chaser Challenge helps students build foundational science knowledge while having fun.
Student Link:
https://excavatingadventures.com/blogs/adventures/2-storm-chaser-challenge
Teacher Reference Guide: Storm Chaser Challenge – Weather
This guide provides all the information you’ll need to effectively teach the Storm Chaser Challenge lesson in one hour or less. The lesson introduces students to the science of weather through a combination of direct instruction and interactive learning. Students will begin by watching a short instructional video that explains key concepts and vocabulary related to weather, including what weather is, how it is observed and predicted, and the factors that contribute to different weather conditions. After the video, students will apply what they’ve learned by participating in an online escape room-style adventure, Storm Chaser Challenge, where they will use science knowledge to solve clues and complete their mission.
To begin, explain to students that weather is the condition of the atmosphere at a specific time and place, and that meteorologists are the scientists who study and predict weather patterns. The Sun plays a major role in Earth’s weather systems by heating air and water, causing wind, evaporation, and cloud formation. When warm, moist air rises and cools, it forms clouds—and different types of clouds can signal different types of weather. Rain, snow, sleet, and hail are all forms of precipitation, which happens when clouds become too heavy to hold moisture. Wind is created when air moves from areas of high pressure to low pressure, and changing air pressure often signals changing weather. Low pressure can bring storms, while high pressure usually brings clear skies. Thunderstorms form when warm, moist air rapidly rises into cooler air, creating lightning and thunder. In certain strong storms, hail forms as ice is tossed around by powerful updrafts. Tornadoes are fast-spinning columns of air that touch the ground during intense thunderstorms, usually where warm, moist air meets cold, dry air.
Distribute the vocabulary trading cards before starting the video, and encourage students to keep them handy throughout the lesson. These cards provide definitions and facts that students will need to complete the online adventure. After watching the video together, direct students to begin the Storm Chaser Challenge using individual or paired devices. The digital adventure includes a series of science-based challenges, each tied to a vocabulary term. Students will answer questions based on what they’ve learned, using their trading cards for reference along the way.
After the adventure, wrap up with a short class discussion. Ask students what new weather facts they learned, what surprised them, and how scientists like meteorologists track and study weather. Use the vocabulary cards for a quick review of the terms and encourage students to share how they used the cards to solve each challenge. All required resources are included: the instructional video, the online escape room, the printable vocabulary cards, an answer key, a lesson plan, and optional teaching dialogue. This lesson makes weather exciting, memorable, and accessible, all while aligning with science standards and requiring no prep from you.
Storm Chaser Challenge – Teacher Answer Key
Use this quick-reference sheet to check student responses during the Storm Chaser Challenge interactive adventure. Each question is directly tied to the vocabulary and concepts covered in the lesson.
Question: Who studies and predicts the weather?
Answer: Meteorologists
Question: What causes precipitation to fall from clouds?
Answer: Clouds become too heavy
Question: What causes wind to move?
Answer: Air pressure differences
Question: What causes clouds to form?
Answer: Warm air rising and condensing
Question: What causes thunder?
Answer: Lightning
Question: What powers Earth’s weather systems?
Answer: The Sun
Question: Where does hail form?
Answer: In thunderstorm clouds
Question: What kind of air pressure usually brings storms?
Answer: Low pressure
Question: What is the fast-spinning column of air that touches the ground during strong storms?
Answer: Tornadoes