Common Core State Standard L.CCS.1/2/3/4 Grades 6-12: Video of a current news event is presented for discussion to encourage student participation, but also inspire the use of evidence to support logical claims using the main ideas of the video. Students must analyze background information provided about a current event, draw out the main ideas and key details, and review different opinions on the issue. Then, students should present their own claims using facts and analysis for support.
03/09/2026
Deadly tornadoes and storms slam central U.S.
At least six people were killed in Michigan and Oklahoma as powerful storms produced several tornadoes that reduced homes to rubble, sent parts of roofs flying into the air, and left a trail of debris hanging from power lines. Four people, including a 12-year-old boy, were killed by three tornadoes in southwestern Michigan. Another dozen people were injured. In Oklahoma, a mother and daughter died when a twister hit their van.
■Class discussion: Tornadoes are most common in the spring and summer, and the United States has the most tornadoes of any country. Do you know what to do and where to find shelter from a tornado? Civil defense sirens are often used to warn of severe weather. Are they used in your area? Can you get weather alerts on your mobile phone? Do you have alerts turned on? Would you try to record a video of a dangerous storm, or would you try to find shelter? Why??
