Prediction Challenge

This worksheet supports students in Grades 4, 5, and 6 as they apply scientific reasoning to predict whether hurricanes are likely to form under specific ocean and atmospheric conditions. Learners analyze sea surface temperatures, air pressure patterns, and weather clues to make evidence-based predictions while strengthening data interpretation, critical thinking, and Earth science understanding.

Learning Goals

• Hurricane Formation Factors (Grades 4-6) – Students evaluate how warm ocean water and low air pressure contribute to hurricane development.
• Interpreting Environmental Data – Learners analyze provided conditions and identify patterns that signal storm formation.
• Prediction & Scientific Reasoning – Students make predictions and explain their thinking using meteorological concepts.
• Climate Change Awareness – A challenge question encourages deeper reflection on how changing climate conditions may affect storm frequency and intensity.

Instructional Benefits

• Teacher-Created Resource – Designed by educators to align with upper-elementary weather and Earth science standards.
• Real-World Science Application – Connects classroom learning to how meteorologists analyze storm risk.
• Structured Yet Analytical – Scenarios guide students while still requiring thoughtful reasoning and justification.
• Flexible Classroom Use – Ideal for independent practice, small groups, science centers, review lessons, or assessment.

This hurricane prediction challenge worksheet helps students strengthen science literacy, analytical reasoning, and understanding of weather systems by applying real data to meaningful scenarios. By evaluating environmental conditions and considering long-term climate impacts, students build deeper insight into hurricane formation and atmospheric science. Whether used in a classroom or homeschool setting, this printable resource offers meaningful, low-prep practice that promotes critical thinking and real-world scientific application.

This worksheet is part of our Hurricanes Worksheets collection.