Graphical interpretation

3. Hurricane Katrina weather patterns

Required Resources

• Slides 8-12
• Student Worksheet 1

Delivery

• Prior to commencing this episode you may need to refresh students' knowledge of linear and non-linear graphs, noting key points they should consider. They should recall that the gradient of the graph can reflect a different unit to those used on the two axes. They should recall that a linear graph shows a direct relationship and that a non-linear graph represents an inconsistent relationship.
• Present students with Student Worksheet 1 and 1a, explaining that they are now viewing some of the actual data viewed by the US Met Office, prior to Hurricane Katrina hitting the New Orleans coastline. Explain that though Met Officers cannot do anything to prevent weather systems building up (at least in the short-term), their role is critical in ensuring that the civilians, fishermen and coastal authorities are alerted in time and with an accurate picture of both where the Hurricane is going to hit and its likely force. This information is then used to plan the appropriate response, whether evacuation, emergency resources or warnings to stay indoors.
• Students should extrapolate the data presented in Student Worksheet 1, answering a series of questions concerning the anticipated weather front. Some of this data is presented graphically, other questions require students to design and sketch their own graph, in order to identify patterns and find a solution.
• Slides 8-12 can be projected whilst students are completing this Worksheet; the images are some of those taken by satellites immediately prior to the hurricane hitting the coast as well as of the Seattle-based 'war-room' assigned to monitoring and managing its impact.

Differentiation

Lower Ability:

Students may need assistance working through the multi-stage questions at the end of this Student Worksheet.

Higher Ability:

Invite students to present their findings in the form of an official brief to the US Coastguard. Their presentation should focus on the impact of the hurricane rather than the source data.