No Prep Sub Plans: Extreme Jobs — Storm Chaser (STEM Design Series)

No Prep Sub Plans: Extreme Jobs — Storm Chaser (STEM Design Series)
Bring extreme weather science and engineering into your classroom with this exciting Storm Chaser STEM Design Challenge! Students explore the dangerous and fascinating world of storm chasers while designing and testing a model vehicle built to survive a simulated “tornado test.”
This highly engaging lesson combines:
- weather science,
- engineering design,
- critical thinking,
- teamwork,
- and hands-on STEM problem solving.
Students research how real storm chasers track severe weather and protect themselves during dangerous storms. Then, teams design, build, test, and improve a model storm chaser vehicle capable of surviving high winds from a fan or hair dryer without tipping, sliding, or losing parts.

What’s Included
- Teacher Directions page
- Flexible 1-Day, 2-Day, and 3-Day lesson plan ideas
- Suggested materials list
- Setup and preparation guidance
- Student Research & Initial Planning Page (Color & Black & White)
- Student Design, Testing & Reflection Page (Color & Black & White)
- Online research resources
- Reflection questions
- Engineering design challenge
- Real-world STEM career connections

Teacher Notes
This resource works well as:
- an engaging emergency sub activity,
- a STEM enrichment lesson,
- or a multi-day engineering project.
Light prep/setup may be required depending on materials and testing setup. Flexible pacing allows the lesson to fit into 1–3 class periods.
Students LOVE the combination of real-world weather science, engineering, and extreme careers in this hands-on STEM challenge!