Monster Storms

Developed in partnership with NOAA, NASA, and the National Geographic Society, Operation: Monster Storms examines current research to improve forecasting, allowing communities to better prepare for storms and avoid their destructive potential.

Fly into the eye of a hurricane or chase tornadoes through Tornado Alley. Learn how powerful storms form and how cutting-edge technology is used to better understand and forecast weather.

From collecting data on the ground to using instruments in the sky and analyzing satellite images from space, students join leading weather scientists as they explore wild weather while learning key National Science Education Standards (NSES).

Available in print and online editions, Operation: Monster Storms is designed to fit within school districts' core curriculum. It provides at least five to nine weeks of material with suggested lesson plans, extensions, interdisciplinary connections, and other teacher resources.

The Operation: Monster Storms curriculum includes...

	Student Edition This 120-page, full-color magazine introduces the host researchers and Argonaut teams, provides the science background knowledge and the tools to help students solve each Mission challenge. It also contains a "getting started" tutorial, reference charts, a glossary, and interdisciplinary connections.
	Teacher Edition This 144-page, two-color manual includes facsimile Student Edition pages, wrap-around teacher notes, lesson plans, extentions, worksheets, and resources.
	Videos This 60 minute DVD introduces teachers and students to some of the world's top explorers and key science concepts. Our video content is seamlessly woven throughout the curriculum, offering a gateway into the exciting world of exploration and adventure.
	Online Resources The JASON Mission Center Web site contains online curriculum, Digital Labs and games, teacher classroom management tools, and online community features. Students and teachers can explore the limitless possibilities of the world of JASON with their JASON Mission Center account.
	Digital Labs and Games Available inside the JASON Mission Center, Digital Labs and games allow students to explore the work of Operation: Monster Storms through an exciting gaming environment. Learn more about StormTracker, a Digital Lab where you are the hurricane forecaster. Can you acheive a high score on our leaderboard?

Mission 1: Profiling the Suspects - Trouble Brewing in Earth's Atmosphere

Host Researcher:
Anthony Guillory
Airborne Science Manager
NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center/Wallops Flight Facility

Mission:
Gather critical weather intelligence for your community so you can anticipate the threat of a monster storm.

Mission 2: The Plot Condenses - Air and Water

Host Researcher:
Robbie Hood
Atmospheric Scientist
NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center/Wallops Flight Facility

Mission:
Pursue energy through the intricate pathways of the water cycle as it fuels monster storms.

Mission 3: The Chase - On the Run in Tornado Alley

Host Researcher:
Tim Samaras
NGS Emerging Explorer & Senior Engineer
Applied Research Associates

Mission::
Apply your knowledge of forces and Newton’s Laws of Motion to explore the universe around you.

Mission 4: The Hunt - Flying into the Eye

Host Researcher:
Jason Dunion
Research Meteorologist
University of Miami; NOAA/AOML Hurricane Research Division

Mission:
Successfully predict hurricanes by exposing the mysteries of their formation, intensity, track, and decay.

Mission 5: The Recovery - Living with Monster Storms

Host Researcher:
Shirley Murillo
Research Meteorologist
NOAA/AOML Hurricane Research Division

Mission:
Protect and minimize the loss of life and vital assets before, during, and after a storm.