Name ______________________ Period ____
Hurricane Tracking Project
Introduction:
During the first few weeks of school, hurricane season was in full force. We will use this hurricane
information to review locating points on earth by longitude and latitude and practice creating and
interpreting graphs. You will create a hurricane tracking map to practice using latitude and
longitude coordinates.
Method: Hurricane Tracking Map
1. Go to http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/pastall.shtml#tracks_us/ . This is where all the data for the
named storms for the season, including current storms.
2. Use the latitude and longitude lines on the map to plot the storm’s track. Each storm has block
and white dots that alternate. These are what you plot (Yes, all of them).
3. Color the line as seen on the map and make a key similar to the one you see on the computer.
4. Follow these steps for 5 hurricanes. You may choose any 5.
5. Write down the number, name , and the dates of the 5 hurricanes you choose.
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Weather and Climate Part 1 Project Rubric: Hurricane Tracking (30 points)
Content
Accuracy
Design
10
8
6
4
2
Student tracks 5
hurricanes
hurricane and
includes a key that
identifies the type
of storm at each
point stage
Student tracks 4
hurricanes
hurricane or does
not include a key
that identifies the
type of storm at
each point stage
Student tracks 3
hurricanes
hurricane or does
not include a key
that identifies the
type of storm at
each point stage
Student tracks 2
hurricanes
hurricane or does
not include a key
that identifies the
type of storm at
each point stage
Student tracks 1
hurricanes
hurricane or does
not include a key
that identifies the
type of storm at
each point stage
All tracking points
are accurately
recorded and color
coded with the
correct color
Student has
tracking points for
4 hurricanes
Student has
tracking points for
3 hurricanes
Student has
tracking points for
2 hurricanes
Student has
tracking points for
1 hurricanes
Student’s map and
chart are neat,
organized, and
easy to read
Student’s map and
chart are legible
but not organized
or neat
Student’s map and
chart are illegible
and unorganized
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Analysis Questions (10 points)
1. Why do all hurricanes seem to have the same path? (2 points)
2. Why do hurricanes lose energy when they hit land or move farther north? (2 points)
3. At what latitudes do most storms become hurricanes? (2 points)
4. In what month did most hurricanes occur? (2 points)
5. How many hurricanes hit land in the United States? (2 points)
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