Hail

Hail is a form of solid precipitation (rain) consisting of balls or lumps of ice. In this scene students will be able to explore a street affected by hail and learn how hail is formed and how hailstorms are affected by climate change.


# Lesson Objectives:

1: To describe how hail is formed.{.info}

2: To explain how hailstones can affect communities.{.info}

3: To understand how climate change could impact hailstorms.{.info}



# What is Hail?{.objecive .objective1}

Hail is a form of precipitation that consists of solid ice pellets. It occurs during severe thunderstorms when there are strong updrafts. These updrafts carry raindrops upward into extremely cold areas of the atmosphere, where they freeze into ice pellets. As these pellets are lifted and fall back down within the storm cloud, additional layers of ice accumulate, forming hailstones. The size of hailstones can vary according to the strength of the updrafts and the amount of moisture in the cloud.

Students will be encouraged to stand beneath the bus stop to listen to the sound hailstones make when they hit a solid object. They can interact with the umbrellas outside of the shop and consider whether these would offer adequate protection in a hailstorm.


# The effects of hail{.objective .objective2}

The damaging effects of hail will be detailed along with details of the largest hailstone recorded in South Dakota, USA. Hail can cause damage to property, vehicles, and crops, particularly when the hailstones are larger in size. The impact of hailstones can dent cars, break windows, and cause injuries to humans and animals. Severe hailstorms can be accompanied by strong winds, heavy rain, and lightning, making them dangerous and potentially destructive weather events.

A 3D model of a hailstone which has been cut in half will be available on the student information. This will show the layers of the hailstone in more detail.

The scene will show an area displaying hail damage to buildings and cars. Students can describe the damage and consider how large the hailstones could have been to cause the damage.


# Could Climate Change Affect the Size of Hail?{.objective .objective3}

As the climate warms, it can lead to changes in atmospheric conditions that affect the formation, frequency, and intensity of thunderstorms. The warmer temperatures may influence the size and shape of hailstones.

Students can think about some of the ways in which a community could prepare itself for increased hailstorms. They can consider whether they have hailstorms where they live and describe the climate.


# Assignment:

What are some of the ways you could prepare a community for a hailstorm?

Consider the potential hazards of a hailstorm and write a public service announcement providing guidance on the measures residents should take.


## Download Teacher Notes

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## Download Student Quiz Answers Document

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## Download Student Quiz Document

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