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Xtreme Science: It's a Natural!

For kids today, everything is extreme (or should we say "Xtreme"?)! What better way to excite them about earth sciences than by studying our planet at its most extreme? Whether it's thunderous electrical storms, raging volcanoes, ground jolting earthquakes, or tempestuous tornadoes and hurricanes, nothing captivates our attention as powerfully as extreme nature. And anytime you've got your kids' attention, that's a teachable moment!

Here are a few ideas to get your family started exploring the Earth at its most Xtreme!

Va Va Va Voom -- Volcanoes!
Everybody's favorite science fair exhibit, the study of volcanoes goes way beyond those messy models, but because kids are so enthralled by building their own oozing mountains, that's a great place to start. Once you've got their attention, you can extend your volcanic adventures to learn about the layers of the earth, plate tectonics, how scientists predict and measure eruptions, different types of volcanoes, the geography of volcanoes around the world, and how volcanoes contribute the overall health of the planet.

Earth Shaking Earthquakes
If you've ever been shaken by an earthquake, you know it's a life changing experience. Even kids who live far from a fault line can delve into the mysteries of a rocking, rolling planet with kits such as Our Amazing Earthquakes. Like volcanoes, earthquakes offer an exciting introduction to plate tectonics. They also provide an excellent illustration of historical geography, showing kids that the continents we see on a globe haven't always looked as they do today and will likely continue to change with future shifts, shakes and quakes.

Tempestuous Tornadoes and Thunderstorms
Another science fair favorite, the vortex in a bottle doesn't hold a candle to the awesome power of a tornado, but it is a fun way to start exploring nature's tremendous twisters. In addition to the physical properties of a vortex, tornadoes offer an exciting introduction to thunder and lightning because a tornado is formed by -- and follows the path of -- a thunderstorm. From history (remember Ben Franklin and his kite?) to sound waves to electricity and beyond, the lessons you'll learn from thunder and lightning just might shock you!

Horrifying Hurricanes
Every summer and fall we watch in horror as hurricanes devastate tropical coastal communities. With all eyes on the latest storm, why not turn your kids' questions into lessons? How does a hurricane form? What's the difference between a hurricane and a tropical storm? What are the parts of a hurricane? What does it mean if a hurricane is category 1 versus category 5? How are hurricanes named? Has a hurricane ever shared your child's name? What can we do to help those affected? These and other questions can deflect your child's fear -- assuming you're nowhere near the hurricane itself -- and turn an otherwise terrifying news story into an engaging educational experience.

Look Out Below! Avalanches At Work
A towering wall of snow tumbling down a mountain is a powerful and terrifying image, but avalanches, like other acts of extreme nature, are also powerful attention getters! Avalanches provide an intriguing lesson in the type of crystals that form snow as well as weather changes that melt and refreeze snow and ice. Especially if your kids are into skiing or snowboarding, a lesson in avalanches is in order. Talk about how to avoid avalanches, what systems are in place to warn people about them, and what to do if you find yourself near or in the path of an avalanche. You can learn more from the Forest Service National Avalanche Center.

Emergency Preparedness
After delving into the whats, hows and whys of extreme nature, it should be prime time for your family to review and/or develop an emergency preparedness plan. Visit the Red Cross for tips about Family Disaster Planning. Knowing your family is prepared for an emergency will make everyone rest easier.

When nature goes wild, everybody takes notice. That's what makes extreme events so exciting educationally. At Discover This, we've got extreme nature kits for kids of all ages to explore the wonders of our beautiful, awe-inspiring planet.

Here are a few of our favorites:

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Home > Resources for our Science Kits > Articles on Science Learning and Science Kits > Xtreme Science: It's a Natural!

Xtreme Science: It's a Natural!

Home > Resources for our Science Kits > Articles on Science Learning and Science Kits > Xtreme Science: It's a Natural!

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Xtreme Science: It's a Natural!