Weather Watch, Natural Disasters, and Family Preparedness.

Snow in Monterey Bay, blizzards across the mid-west and east coast, near records highs in the southwest. We've had a spate of strange weather patterns this winter. Had meant to write a post in February about discussing weather issues. (see below.)

Now we have an historic 8.9 earthquake off the coast of Japan, and attendant tsunamis that reached the northern and central coasts of the U.S. and south to Chile. Not only do these events provide immediacy to earth science studies, they also open discussions for how and why we contribute to humanitarian aid, what is the history of the Red Cross and how are they involved with assisting during natural disasters, and maybe most important, how your family can prepare for a natural disaster. (Putting together 72-hr kits or disaster supplies for your family. )

Back to weather: Consider interpreting satellite photos, radar, historical highs and lows, and what makes weather happen, or specific parts of weather - tornadoes vs. sand storms, for instance - as topics to generate questions for a weekly 10-20 minute weather watch.