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This engaging Grade 4 science reading passage introduces students to tornadoes, one of nature's most powerful and dangerous weather phenomena. Aligned with NGSS standard 4-ESS3-2, the passage explains what tornadoes are, how they form from thunderstorm clouds, and the incredible destructive power of their spinning winds. Students learn about Tornado Alley in the central United States and why this region experiences more tornadoes than other areas. The passage emphasizes the importance of weather alerts and tornado sirens in keeping communities safe. Audio-integrated content supports diverse learners, while differentiated versions ensure all students can access the core science concepts. Vocabulary is carefully scaffolded with bold key terms and immediate definitions. The passage connects to real-world applications of weather monitoring and emergency preparedness, helping students understand how science knowledge protects people from natural hazards.
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"A powerful tornado and vibrant lightning striking over a rural countryside landscape." by Ralph W. lambrecht / Pexels.
A tornado is a violently spinning column of air that reaches from a thunderstorm cloud down to the ground. Tornadoes are important to understand because they are one of nature's most dangerous weather events and can threaten lives and property.
Tornadoes form when warm, moist air meets cold, dry air during a thunderstorm. This creates spinning winds that can become a funnel cloud—a cone-shaped cloud that extends downward. When the funnel touches the ground, it becomes a tornado. The spinning winds inside a tornado can reach speeds over 200 miles per hour. These powerful winds are strong enough to rip roofs off buildings, flip cars over, and pull trees right out of the ground.
Most tornadoes last only a few minutes, but they can leave behind a path of destruction that stretches for miles. Tornadoes happen most often in the central United States, in an area nicknamed Tornado Alley. This region includes parts of Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Nebraska. Tornadoes occur most frequently during spring and summer when warm and cold air masses collide.
Scientists use special tools to track storms and predict when tornadoes might form. When a tornado is spotted, sirens sound and weather alerts are sent to warn people. These warnings give families time to take shelter in basements or interior rooms away from windows. Understanding tornadoes helps communities prepare and stay safe.
Interesting Fact: The strongest tornadoes can pick up objects as heavy as railroad cars and carry them through the air for hundreds of feet!
What is a tornado?
A spinning column of airA type of thunderstormA heavy rainstormA snow cloud
How fast can tornado winds blow?
Over 50 miles per hourOver 100 miles per hourOver 200 miles per hourOver 500 miles per hour
Where do most tornadoes happen?
On the coastsIn the mountainsIn Tornado AlleyIn the desert
Why do tornadoes form?
When it rains heavilyWhen warm and cold air meetWhen the sun is very hotWhen snow melts quickly
What helps people stay safe from tornadoes?
Watching television all dayStaying outside during stormsSirens and weather alertsOpening all the windows
What season has the most tornadoes?
Fall and winterSpring and summerOnly winterOnly fall
Tornadoes can last for several hours.
TrueFalse
What is a funnel cloud?
A flat rain cloudA cone-shaped cloud extending downwardA white fluffy cloudA cloud that makes snow
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