Hazard Alarm

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Storm Prediction Center (SPC) exists to protect people by issuing timely and accurate forecasts for tornadoes, wildfires, and other hazards. Early warning systems for such storms help save buildings, property, and lives.

Let students explore the equipment and alarm systems.

Students design, build, and test an alarm device for wind, rain, fire, earthquake, or other weather-related hazards. This could be done according to a set of criteria or with a more open outcome as determined by the teacher.

Let students explore the Design Library so they can choose a model for inspiration. Then allow them to experiment and create their own solutions, modifying any basic model as they see fit.

Suggested Design Library models are:
• Spin
• Revolve
• Motion

Students should present their models, explaining how they designed and tested the hazard alarms. They could use research and portfolio documentation to support their explorations and ideas.

Assessment
Ensure that students explain why the alarm is important and how it has been designed and tested to help reduce the impact of the specific hazard or alert people to potential hazards.