Cause Analysis

This worksheet supports students in Grades 4, 5, and 6 as they analyze the atmospheric conditions that contribute to tornado development using critical thinking, scientific reasoning, and evidence-based evaluation. By reviewing weather scenarios such as warm moist air, wind shear, supercell thunderstorms, and seasonal temperature contrasts, learners determine which factors are major causes of tornado formation and which play a lesser role.

Learning Goals

• Identifying Tornado Causes (Grades 4-6) – Distinguish between major and minor factors involved in tornado development.
• Atmospheric Science Understanding – Explore how air masses, wind patterns, and storm systems influence severe weather.
• Critical Evaluation Skills – Analyze weather scenarios to determine their significance in storm formation.
• Scientific Reasoning & Writing – Justify choices using accurate weather vocabulary and logical explanation.

Instructional Benefits

• Teacher-Created Resource – Designed by educators to align with upper elementary weather and Earth science standards.
• Clear Classification Task – Major Cause / Not a Major Cause format supports focused analysis and decision-making.
• Extension Question Included – Encourages deeper thinking by identifying and defending the most important factors.
• Flexible Classroom Use – Ideal for classwork, homework, review lessons, science notebooks, or assessment.

This printable worksheet helps students deepen their understanding of tornado formation by evaluating which atmospheric conditions matter most. Learners practice reading for detail, applying scientific knowledge, and supporting conclusions with evidence. Well suited for both classroom and homeschool settings, this no-prep activity builds strong foundations in storm science, critical thinking, and clear scientific explanation.

This worksheet is part of our Tornadoes Worksheets collection.