Activity

Why Do Hurricanes Go Counterclockwise in the Northern Hemisphere?

Curated and Reviewed by Lesson Planet
This Why Do Hurricanes Go Counterclockwise in the Northern Hemisphere? activity also includes:

Test your class' coordination as they model the Coriolis Effect. Forming a large circle, learners move to the right as they try to toss a ball to the person across from them. The movement of the circle represents the rotation of the earth and makes the ball seem to veer to the left.

15 Views 18 Downloads NGSS: Adaptable
Additional Tags
Instructional Ideas
  • Provide motivation for the lesson by exploring the debunked Coriolis Effect claims
  • Demonstrate the Coriolis Effect with a merry-go-round if available
Classroom Considerations
  • Requires a ball and room to move within the classroom
Pros
  • Provides recommendations for handling problems within the activity
  • Includes background knowledge for the teacher and students
Cons
  • None
NGSS