2010 January "SEE" Letter

                                                EXTREME WEATHER

Our topic was “EXTREME WEATHER.” Once again, we traveled on the SMART Board to all the states. 

    We saw virtual tornados and learned about climate and weather conditions that create this powerful and extraordinary storm.  The tornado is the most violent of all the earths’ storms. A tornado is defined as a violently rotating column of air in contact with the ground and a pendant from a cumulonimbus cloud. The components that make the tunnel-like column, is warm and cold air mixing together. When warm air and cold air collide it creates a thunderstorm. Thunderstorms may also develop a tornado. Tornados are very violent and can cause     severe damage. Tornados can occur at any time of day, at any time of the year. Tornados usually occur east of the Rocky Mountains. The average speed is 30-70 miles per hour. Tornados typically occur in the mid west where the land is flat; which gives the tornados more room to develop.

Our next weather pattern we explored was the “Blizzard.” 

A blizzard is a severe snowstorm usually    accompanied by high winds, blowing snow and very cold temperatures. The National Weather Services   defines blizzards as large amounts of falling or blowing snow with winds in excess of 35 miles per hour and visibilities of less than ¼ of a mile for a period of more than 3 hours.  Blizzards and severe snowstorms have a number of dangers including blowing snow and white out conditions that make driving and     walking nearly impossible.  Did you know that the 2009-2010 snow season, Rochester was the snowiest city in New York, averaging 94 inches of snow?  Some of the most memorable blizzards in the U.S. have occurred on the East Coast, known as Nor’easters. The storms stall over the coast and last  anywhere from 12 to 24 hours with snow amounts measured in feet rather than inches.

Our next adventure was more visual and beautiful to learn about. What makes a Rainbow? 

A rainbow occurs when raindrops and sunshine cross paths. Sunlight consists of all the colors of light, which add together to make white illumination. When sunlight enters water drops, it reflects off their inside surfaces.  While passing through the droplets, the light also separates into its component colors, which is similar to the effect of a glass prism. Each falling water drop actually flashes its colors to the observer for just an instant, before another drop takes its place.  The bright, primary rainbow has red on the outer edge and blue within the inside.

What we learned most from this subject is that Mother Nature is full of surprise and splendor. She has extreme weather that effects all of our seasons. Although some weather patterns may seem harsh, she most definitely rewards us with the gift of beauty.

Next month we will visit the North Pole and learn about Arctic Animals. We are still introducing French and the children have been learning how to count and learn simple phrases like hello, goodbye, and the days of the week.

DON’T FORGET TO ENROLL FOR 2010-2011!! CLASSES CLOSE QUICKLY AND WE WANT TO MAKE SURE YOU GET THE CLASS AND SESSION THAT WORK BEST FOR YOU!

Sincerely,