Be a Weather Hero: Preparing for Typhoons

Introduction

Subject: Science (Grade 4)

Unit of Study: Weather and Disaster Preparedness

Imagine that your town has received a warning that a strong typhoon may arrive in a few days. The local government needs a team of young Weather Heroes to help families prepare and stay safe. Your mission is to learn about typhoons, understand how they affect people, and create a safety guide that everyone in your community can use.

Are you ready to become a Weather Hero?

Task

Working in groups of 3–4, you will investigate the following questions:

  • What is a typhoon?
  • How does a typhoon form?
  • What dangers does it bring?
  • How can families prepare before, during, and after a typhoon?

After your research, your group will create:

  • A digital poster or infographic entitled "Typhoon Safety Guide for Families"
  • A 3–5 minute presentation explaining your safety guide to the class.

Process

Step 1

Discuss with your group what you already know about typhoons.

Step 2

Visit the websites listed in the Resources section.

Step 3

Answer these guide questions:

  • What causes a typhoon?
  • Why is the Philippines often affected by typhoons?
  • What should families do before a typhoon?
  • What should people do during a typhoon?
  • What should people do after a typhoon?

Step 4

Organize your information.

Step 5

Create your infographic using Canva, PowerPoint, or Google Slides.

Step 6

Present your work to the class.

Evaluation

Evaluation

Criteria Excellent (4) Good (3) Fair (2) Needs Improvement (1)
Research Information is complete, accurate, and well explained. Mostly accurate with minor errors. Some information is missing. Limited or incorrect information.
Infographic Creative, attractive, and easy to understand. Clear and organized. Somewhat organized. Difficult to understand.
Presentation Speaks clearly, confidently, and answers questions well. Mostly clear and confident. Some difficulty explaining. Presentation lacks preparation.
Teamwork All members participated equally. Most members participated. Unequal participation. One or two members completed most of the work.

Total: 16 points

Conclusion

Congratulations, Weather Heroes!

You have learned how typhoons form, the risks they bring, and how families can stay safe before, during, and after a storm. By sharing what you learned, you are helping build a safer and more prepared community. Remember, being informed is one of the best ways to protect ourselves and others.

Credits

The following resources were used in developing this WebQuest:

Images used in this WebQuest are either from the above educational websites or are free-to-use educational images. This WebQuest is intended solely for classroom learning and non-commercial educational purposes.

Teacher Page

Title

Be a Weather Hero: Preparing for Typhoons

Grade Level

Grade 4

Subject

Science

Time Required

2–3 class periods (45–60 minutes each)

Curriculum Standards

This WebQuest supports the Grade 4 Science curriculum by helping learners:

  • Explain what a typhoon is and how it forms.
  • Identify the effects of typhoons on people and the environment.
  • Demonstrate proper safety measures before, during, and after a typhoon.
  • Use online resources to gather information and communicate findings.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this WebQuest, students will be able to:

  1. Describe the characteristics of a typhoon.
  2. Explain the importance of disaster preparedness.
  3. Gather and organize information from reliable online sources.
  4. Create an informative infographic about typhoon safety.
  5. Present their work confidently while collaborating with classmates.

Materials Needed

  • Computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone with Internet access
  • Projector (optional)
  • Canva, Google Slides, or Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Notebook and pen

Teaching Strategies

  • Inquiry-Based Learning
  • Cooperative Learning
  • Project-Based Learning
  • Class Discussion
  • Oral Presentation

Assessment

Students will be assessed using the rubric provided in the Evaluation section, focusing on:

  • Accuracy of research
  • Creativity and organization of the infographic
  • Presentation skills
  • Teamwork and collaboration

Differentiation

  • Provide printed copies of resources for learners with limited Internet access.
  • Pair students strategically so they can support one another.
  • Allow students to present using posters if digital tools are unavailable.

Extension Activity

Ask students to create a family emergency preparedness checklist or disaster preparedness plan for their home and share it with their family members.

Teacher Notes

Before starting the activity, ensure students know how to evaluate reliable websites. Remind them to practice proper online behavior and cite information from trusted sources. Encourage active participation and collaboration throughout the WebQuest.