During an interactive STEAM lesson, Cayuga Elementary students explored the power of hurricanes and their effects on structures. 

The activity began with a discussion on hurricanes, including identifying what defines the weather phenomenon, and key information for the students to consider during the hands-on activity. 

Separated into small groups, students worked to construct a structure capable of withstanding strong wind and rain using only masking tape, popsicle sticks, construction paper, an aluminum pan and Play-Doh. After construction was complete, the structures faced a hurricane simulation test. Two cups of water were added to the pan to represent rain and a fan blowing at high speed was pointed at the structures to act as hurricane-force winds. 

The class gathered after the activity for a discussion about the performance of their structures. The next day small adjustments were made and all of the groups’ structures were retested using the simulated hurricane conditions.