Introduction to Texas Hurricanes

Oney Fitzpatrick, Jim Jordan, and Jim Westgate - Lamar University, Beaumont, TX

Summary

In this activity, students are asked to graph data about some 20th century hurricanes that hit the Texas coastline. For each graph, they are asked several questions about any apparent correlation between the different variables. There are also some summative questions asking students to draw overarching conclusions from their graphs and their answers to previous questions.

Used this activity? Share your experiences and modifications

Learning Goals

  • Accurately graph a data set.
  • Deduce correlations between variables in the data set.
  • Use the graphs and deduced correlations to answer questions.

Context for Use

This activity is appropriate for an introductory college geoscience class. It is also applicable to earth science classes at the high school level.

Description and Teaching Materials

Introduction to Texas Hurricanes (Acrobat (PDF) 87kB May5 04): This file provides directions for the activity as well as the data that students will need to graph and the questiosn they are expected to be able to answer based on their graphs.

Assessment

Students must make several graphs and answer questions based on their results. These products may be assessed for completeness and accuracy.

References and Resources

Bomar, G. (1995), Texas Weather, University of Texas Press.