A life skills lesson teaching students how to read weather radar maps, interpret precipitation intensity, and make smart daily decisions about clothing, outdoor activities, and personal safety.
1. What type of precipitation is falling over Pine Lodge right now? Explain how you identified this using the radar colors.
2. Given the slippery terrain, what specific gear should you dress in and what safety prep should be done for your vehicle?
Scenario C: City Park Carnival
Mild Notice
It is Saturday afternoon. You want to visit the Downtown Park Carnival. There are outdoor mechanical rides, game stands, and food trucks. A glance at the radar shows a large green patch overhead, but a clear sky sits right behind it.
Downtown Park
Clear Skies
N
Downtown Radar Light Green
Trend Clearing from West
Very light rain is currently falling, but the radar shows that the back edge of the system is crossing the park and skies will be clear within 20 minutes.
1. Based on the radar trends, should you cancel your entire afternoon trip? State your planning recommendation in 1-2 sentences.
2. What specific items of clothing or gear should you bring to comfortably handle the first half-hour at the carnival?
Radar Ready Coursework Page 2 of 2
Scenario 2: Winter Commute Guidance Fuchsia signals sleet, ice, or snow. Unlike rain, freezing weather changes ground traction. Drivers and walkers need winter tires or heavily treaded shoes, safety kits, and must expect delay.
Official Worksheet Answer Key
Part 1: Color Scale Matching Keys
Green B
Yellow C
Deep Red A
Pink D
Scenario A Keys (Soccer Championship)
Question 1: The storm is heavy/severe, marked by yellow and deep red bands, currently positioned to the West of the venue.
Question 2: No, delay kickoff. The severe storm core (red/yellow) is heading directly East towards the field and will arrive within 15-20 minutes, threatening lightning strikes.
Question 3: Spectators must retreat to cars or solid, enclosed brick/concrete structures. They must avoid high metals like stadium bleachers, single isolated trees, and lighting poles.
Scenario B Keys (Winter Sledding / Lodge)
Question 1: Freezing rain, ice, or sleet (Winter Mix). This is identified by the pink/fuchsia blob covering the Lodge and Route 9.
Question 2: Walkers should wear winter boots, heavy layers, and gloves. Drivers should ensure vehicle tires are certified for ice/snow, verify windshield wipers are operating, and reduce speeds significantly due to slick conditions.
Scenario C Keys (City Carnival)
Question 1: Do not cancel. Light green represents light drizzle that is currently clearing from the West, meaning beautiful clear skies will arrive within 20 minutes.
Question 2: Bring a light windbreaker, hoodie, or umbrella for the short, opening rainy period, then stow them as clear skies open up.
Radar Ready Coursework Page 2 of 2
1. Freezing ice is covering Runway 27. Is it safe for an airplane to land on the ice? (Circle one)
A. Yes, planes love ice!
B. No, the runway is slippery and dangerous
2. If you are the boss of the airport, what safety decision should you make? (Circle one)
A. Stop landings & salt the ice
B. Ignore it and do nothing
Scenario C: Sunset Drive-In Theater
Clearing Up
It is Friday evening. A movie is starting soon. It is drizzling, but the radar shows that the Green Rain Blob is moving away, and Clear Skies are coming.
Drive-In Screen
Clear Skies
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Current Sky Light Drizzle
Radar Trend Clear Skies Coming
The light rain is moving quickly to the east. Beautiful clear skies will be here in less than 30 minutes!
1. Will the rain stop and clear up soon? (Circle one)
A. Yes, clear skies are coming
B. No, it will rain all night
2. Should the drive-in cancel the movie? (Circle one)
A. Yes, cancel it immediately
B. No, keep it open (skies are clearing)
Radar Patrol (Special Education) Page 2 of 2
Part 4: Temperature & Safety Decisions
Numbers Check
1. Look at Friday (72°F) and Sunday (32°F). Which day is the coldest? (Circle one)
Friday (72°F)
Sunday (32°F)
2. Friday is 72°F and Sunday is 32°F. Which day is warmer? (Circle one)
Friday (72°F)
Sunday (32°F)
3. When water freezing hits 32°F, liquid water turns into solid sidewalk ice. Is ice slippery and a tripping hazard? (Circle one)
Yes, ice is very slippery
No, ice is safe to run on
4. Saturday has a 90% chance of heavy, pouring rain. Where is it safest to play? (Circle one)
Outdoors in mud puddles
Indoors inside a house
5. Friday is beautiful and warm. Before going outdoors to play in the bright sunshine, I should put on _______________________ (sunscreen / snow gloves) to protect my skin.
