Stories from the Skies

Stories from the Sky

Stories From the Skies This segment examines the state's history through stories from the skies. It looks at Native American beliefs about the sky, how weather, such as blizzards and tornadoes, affected settlements, and important people, such as George McGovern, Governor Joe Foss, and Clyde Ice, who were pilots and heroes. From blizzards to sandstorms, the sky has always played an essential role in shaping our state. It has affected artists and writers, Lakota Medicine Men, and common settlers, resulting in many stories from the sky.

Episode Activities

Episode Quiz

Student Glossary

Crossword Puzzle (answers)

Guided Notes (answers)

Discussion Cards

Science Phenomena: Snowflakes and Terminal Velocity Activity

Episode Script

Related Video Playlist

Related Resources
Additional videos, activities, and more below.

Skies and Other Stories Related Videos link

Stories for the Skies Videos

YouTube Playlist with a variety episode related topics including Castlewood residents sifting through damage from a devastating tornado.

The image shows a small map with the path of 4 tornados indicated in the Huron, SD area, the cover of Laura Ingalls Wilder's book called These Happy Golden Years, and a photo of Laura and her husband.

Laura Ingalls Wilder and Her Famous Tornado

Laura and Almanzo almost certainly saw the tornado near Howard, roughly 10 miles from their buggy ride path. (National Weather Service)

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

Average annual extreme minimum winter temperature, 10-degree F zones and 5-degree F half zones displayed.

An archival image from North Dakota in 1966 shows a man standing next to a powerline pole that is covered with snow. Only the top of the powerline is shown, the rest is covered with snow.

South Dakota Blizzards of 1949 and 1966

There are some winter storms that people never forget such as these blizzards.

An archival image from 1937 near Onida, South Dakota, shows a maintainer removing snow from a road. Snow is piled up approximately ten to fifteen feet on each side of the road.

Powering Through Snowstorms

Early snow removal on city streets meant an investment in man and horsepower.

February 1962 Record Breaking Storm.

32.2 inches of snow dropped in 2 days - the biggest snow event in Sioux Falls weather history.

Archival image of a newspaper that has an article about the record cold temperatures in the Black Hills.

Spearfish's World Record Temp Change

"If you don't like the weather in South Dakota, just wait around a few minutes, and it will change".

Photo of the Stratobowl near Rapid City, a flat, low, round grassy area surrounded by tree-covered mountains.

Stratobowl (Black Hills): Wind Speed Study

During this activity, your students will learn about the Stratobowl in the Black Hills and participate in a hands-on qualitative wind speed study using everyday household items.

Temperature, Droughts, and Floods:

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map The map is the standard by which gardeners and growers can determine which perennial plants are most likely to thrive at a location.
The U.S. Drought Monitor depicts the location and intensity of drought nationwide.
SDPB covers current Drought News from South Dakota and beyond.
SDPB brings you Flooding News from South Dakota and neighboring states.
From Floods To Drought: Ranchers Reflect On Extreme South Dakota Weather