Navigators: Extreme Weather
Navigators Series
on Goodreads (6)
What’s inside...
Extreme Weather by Margaret Hynes explores the intense and dangerous world of weather phenomena on Earth, providing a comprehensive view through stunning photography, lively text, and informative panels. The book covers topics such as the role of the Sun in driving atmospheric phenomena, the eye of developing storms, air-sea rescue missions, and life at polar research stations. It is part of a visually spectacular series designed to enhance understanding of earth science topics and the impact of weather on our lives.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
9-12
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What did you learn about why extreme weather happens?
How do you think people can prepare for extreme weather events?
Which extreme weather event in the book did you find most interesting or surprising, and why?
Can you think of any ways we might help others who are affected by extreme weather?
What would you do if you were a weather scientist?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing your own thoughts or experiences with weather, setting a personal connection to the theme.
Encourage your child to express their feelings about extreme weather, whether it's fear, fascination, or curiosity, validating their emotions.
Connect the discussion to real-life events by referring to recent news about extreme weather, making the book's content more relevant.
Ask your child to draw or describe their version of an extreme weather event, fostering creativity and deeper understanding.
Praise your child's insights and curiosity, and suggest further exploration together, such as watching documentaries or visiting a science museum.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding and respecting the power of nature
Explanation: Through vivid illustrations and detailed descriptions, the book educates children on various extreme weather conditions, emphasizing the strength and impact of natural phenomena.
Real-World Application: Children learn to recognize the importance of weather awareness and safety measures, which can lead to more responsible behavior during weather warnings and alerts.
Example Lesson: Importance of preparedness
Explanation: The book outlines how different communities prepare for extreme weather, highlighting the role of emergency kits and evacuation plans.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to discuss safety plans with their families and understand the steps to take in case of a weather emergency, fostering a sense of security and readiness.
Example Lesson: Scientific curiosity and knowledge
Explanation: By explaining the science behind extreme weather events, the book fuels curiosity about the Earth’s climate and meteorology.
Real-World Application: This knowledge not only boosts children’s academic interest in science but also helps them make sense of the news and world events related to weather, enhancing their general knowledge and critical thinking skills.
Example Lesson: Empathy towards affected communities
Explanation: The narrative often includes stories of people impacted by extreme weather, helping readers understand the human aspect behind the headlines.
Real-World Application: Children learn to empathize with others in difficult situations, which can encourage a more compassionate approach towards people from different backgrounds and communities.
Example Lesson: Environmental awareness
Explanation: The book discusses how climate change is impacting weather patterns, teaching children about environmental conservation.
Real-World Application: Kids are inspired to engage in environmentally friendly practices, such as recycling and conserving water, to help mitigate their impact on global weather phenomena.