Episode 1
5th February 2013
Activity
Wild Weather
Key Learning
Students will investigate how extreme weather events can impact on people, plants, animals and landscape,
both in Australia and in the Asia region.
The Australian Curriculum > Science / Science Understanding / Earth and space sciences
Content description & elaboration
Earth’s surface changes over time as a result of natural processes and human
activity. Code ACSSU075
 considering the effect of events such as floods and extreme weather on the
landscape, both in Australia and in the Asia region
Sudden geological changes or extreme weather conditions can affect Earth’s
surface. Code ACSSU096
 investigating major geological events such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions
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and tsunamis in Australia, the Asia region and throughout the world
recognising that earthquakes can cause tsunamis
describing how people measure significant geological events
exploring ways that scientific understanding can assist in natural disaster
management to minimise both long- and short-term effects
considering the effect of drought on living and non-living aspects of the
environment
General capabilities
Literacy
Critical and creative
thinking
Numeracy
Cross-curriculum priorities
Sustainability
Asia and Australia’s
engagement with Asia
The Australian Curriculum > Science / Science as a Human Endeavour / Nature and development of
science
Content description & elaboration
General capabilities
Science involves testing predictions by gathering data and using evidence to
develop explanations of events and phenomena. Code ACSHE098
 describing how understanding of the causes and effects of major natural
events has changed as new evidence has become available
 considering how gathering evidence helps scientists to predict the effect of
major geological or climatic events
Literacy
Critical and creative
thinking
Cross-curriculum priorities
Sustainability
Focus Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Summarise the Wild Weather story.
What Australian states have recently been hit with extreme weather?
What types of extreme weather did these parts of Australia experience?
What is the name of the ex-tropical cyclone that recently hit the coast of Queensland?
Due to flooding thousands of people in Bundaberg recently had to ___________ their homes.
In the BtN story, Sarah wanted to find out why we are getting all this wild weather so she visited the
Bureau of:
a. Meteorology
b. Archaeology
c. Astronomy
©ABC 2013
7. Why would you normally see more cyclones in summer?
8. What factors can increase the severity of a bushfire?
9. How did this story make you feel?
10. Illustrate an aspect of the Wild Weather story.
Activity
Engagement
After watching the BtN episode Wild Weather facilitate a class discussion. Here are some discussion
starters:
 How did you feel after watching the story?
 What are some examples of extreme weather? Consider weather events in Australia and around the
world.
 Have you ever experienced extreme weather?
 How does it impact on people and the environment?
Exploration and Explanation
Organise an excursion to your local science organisation or conduct online research to find out more about
extreme weather and its impact on the landscape. Ask students to start a science journal to record their
findings, ideas and questions as they learn.
 How is weather measured?
 What type of climate zone do you live in?
 What is the difference between weather and climate?
 How do you predict extreme weather?
Elaboration and Evaluation
What are the climate zones in Australia?
Divide the class into six groups, and assign one of the following six climate zones to each group:
 Equatorial
 Tropical
 Subtropical
 Desert
 Grassland
 Temperate
Ask each group to research one of the six weather zones and present their findings in an interesting way.
Refer to these pictorial maps for inspiration http://mapcollection.wordpress.com/?s=australia.
Using your classroom interactive whiteboard, make an enlarged version of a map of Australia and trace onto
butcher paper. Ask students to outline the states, capital cities and the different weather zones on the map.
Refer to the Bureau of Meteorology for a map which highlights the major classification groups.
http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/environ/other/kpn_group.shtml.
The effects of extreme weather
Create a table using the headings below or appropriate headings of your own. Select one type of extreme
event that could be linked to each effect and determine the impact it might have on people, animals and
plants.
Provide students with enough time to conduct research using the internet, newspapers and other sources of
information.
©ABC 2013
Extreme weather
Effect
E.g. Increased rainfall
Storm surges
Impact on people, animals
and plants
Flooding in communities
and farms. Damage to
livestock and infrastructure.
Further Investigation
Consider an ecosystem in your own area. Describe the ecosystem. Perhaps you can photograph it. What
might be the impacts on this ecosystem if temperature increased and rainfall decreased?
Make your own weather station. Ask students to make either a rain gauge, wind vane or thermometer box
and then record their measurements in a weather diary. http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/education/kids/thingsto-do/weather-station
 Related Research Links
Bureau of Meteorology – Climate Zones Australia
http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/environ/travel/map.shtml
Bureau of Meteorology - About Tropical Cyclones
http://www.bom.gov.au/cyclone/about/
Behind the News – Wild Weather
http://www.abc.net.au/btn/story/s2981998.htm
ABC News – Oswald creates weather chaos in Queensland (photos)
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-01-27/queensland-floods-as-oswald-moves-south/4486174
ABC Catalyst – Taking our temperature
http://www.abc.net.au/catalyst/stories/3633447.htm
CSIRO – Extreme Events
http://www.csiro.au/en/Outcomes/Environment/Extreme-Events.aspx
NSW Education and Communities – Under the Microscope: Climate Change
http://www.microscope.edu.au/public/clips/documents/climate_change.pdf
©ABC 2013