Weather Alert! The SK Weather Center Shares Recap

What an incredible journey we have had in our Senior Kindergarten Weather Center! During the past few months, SKers transformed into researchers, coders, makers and enthusiastic meteorologists as they explored the powerful forces of nature. From the “SK Ring of Fire” to high-stakes robot rescues, here is a look at our exciting unit on Volcanos, Earthquakes, Thunderstorms, Tornados and Hurricanes.

Beyond the hands-on experiments, this deep dive into weather phenomena served as a powerful launchpad for SKers to develop research and tech literacy skills. Our young scholars didn’t just look at pictures; they learned to synthesize information by cross-referencing traditional nonfiction and fiction books with interactive digital databases. They even stepped into the world of augmented reality, using Merge Cubes to hold and inspect 3D objects in the palms of their hands, bringing complex concepts to life in a way that felt like magic. Most importantly, this unit emphasized collaborative problem-solving. By sharing ideas and building solutions together to tackle simulated natural disasters, our students learned that the best way to face a big storm is with an even bigger team. We are incredibly proud of the hard work, curiosity and creativity Senior Kindergartners displayed throughout this journey.

Volcanos: The SK Ring of Fire
The Kovler Family Library rumbled with excitement as we studied volcanos. SK students crafted their own volcano eruptions by building mountains out of Play-Doh. To bring their creations to life, they engineered chemical reactions using vinegar and baking soda to simulate eruptions in our very own SK Ring of Fire.

Please take a look at our eruptions here: SK Ring of Fire Eruptions

Tornados: Operation Safe Robot
To truly understand the power of a vortex, SKers went beyond coding and stepped into the role of atmospheric scientists by building a tornado wind tunnel. By constructing a closed chamber and using a fan to pull air upward, students learned how inducing a specific, swirling rotation creates a miniature “twister.” To make the invisible visible, they tossed tissue paper and feathers into the chamber, watching the air currents sweep them into a spiraling funnel. Next, the library turned into a storm zone for “Operation Safe Robot!” After learning about the science of tornados, students were tasked with a high-stakes mission: use Blockly code to navigate their robots to safety. The challenge was avoiding a “live tornado” (Ms. Coleman in a fabulous costume!), requiring serious problem-solving, coding skills and plenty of giggles. SKers also drew the path of a tornado and used a mini robot called an Ozobot to follow the path they created. 

To see all of the tornado excitement, check out videos and pictures here:
SK Tornados in the Kovler Family Library

Thunderstorms: Storytelling with ScratchJr
To demonstrate their learning about thunderstorms, students stepped into the digital world using ScratchJr, an introductory programming language designed specifically for young learners. Unlike traditional coding, ScratchJr uses a visual, block-based interface that allows children to “snap” together command blocks—much like physical LEGOs—to make characters move, jump and interact.

By creating multi-page digital stories, SKers applied computational thinking concepts:

This process does more than just teach “computer talk”; it helps students develop logical sequencing and problem-solving skills, allowing them to transform from passive technology consumers into active digital creators.

Hurricanes: Engineering for Safety
During our hurricane study, young engineers took on the challenge of designing and building structures capable of standing up to Mother Nature’s strongest winds. The process began with research using our PebbleGo online database, through which students investigated how real-world architects design buildings in hurricane-prone areas to withstand extreme wind, torrential rain and flooding.

Armed with this data, students moved into the TIDES Garage makerspace, working in collaborative groups to shape and design their own prototypes. Using a variety of materials, they applied their research to reinforce roofs and stabilize foundations. For the grand finale, we headed out to the deck of the Kovler Family Library to put their work to the ultimate test! We simulated “hurricanes” ranging from Category 1 to Category 5, and the results were incredible—the structures held up remarkably well, proving that our SKers have a bright future in engineering!

Check it out here: Hurricane Structures Being Put to the Test

Earthquakes: Shake Safe Builds
Our investigation into the shifting earth began with a deep dive into the science of geology, when SKers learned about the movement of tectonic plates and the mechanics of the Richter scale. After discussing essential safety protocols for responding to the ground shaking, students transitioned from theorists to engineers. Using a combination of straws and connectors, they applied principles of earthquake-safe engineering to design and construct resilient structures. The unit reached a shaky conclusion as students put their creations to the test using custom “earthquake box testers,” observing firsthand how their structural choices held up against simulated seismic waves!

Here are a couple of snippets of earthquake box tests: Earthquake-Safe Structure Tests

Special News Alert: SKers on the Scene
To wrap up our incredible unit, the SK Weather Center transformed into a high-tech newsroom for our culminating project, Special News Alert Newscasts. Our young meteorologists stepped in front of green screens to report “live” from the scene of earthquakes, volcanos, tornados, thunderstorms and hurricanes. These special reports allowed students to synthesize and share everything they learned during this deep dive into worldwide weather phenomena with confidence and creativity. We are so proud of the hard work and dedication our SKers poured into these reports!

Please enjoy the full collection of their broadcasts here:
SK Weather Center Special Reports