Danger! Danger! Danger!Natural Disasters
Avalanches. . . Hurricanes . . . Tornadoes . . .
Floods . . . Tsunamis . . . Droughts . . . . Earthquakes . . .
Volcanic Eruptions . . . Wildfires . . . and more!
We have all watched the evening news and learned of devistating weather or a natural disaster hitting an area of the United States or some other location in the world. The news reporters show viewers the chaos and damage done by the dangerous storm or natural disaster. What conditions caused this to happen? Where did this happen? Why didn't people move to safety? All of these questions and more need to be answered so we can better understand DANGER !
Essential Question : How can the public better prepare for dangerous weather conditions or natural disasters?
Step 1:
Science students will research their dangerous weather condition or natural disaster. Students will use the Natural Disaster handout to answer specific questions about their research topic.
Students are required to take notes from both print and digital resources. (Students are required to use a minimum of 3 resources.) Notes are short facts paraphrased by the student. Notes SHOULD NOT BE COPIED from books or websites. Library books have been put on reserve in the school library for your use.
Below are some digital resources students might find useful.
Step 2:
Students will prepare a two minute "live" newscast. The newscast will be videotaped. Students may need special clothes, props or maps depending upon what presentation they select. For example, a meterologist may need a weather map, a pointer and a necktie. A field reporter may need an umbrella, microphone and maybe boots. A victim may need crutches or other visual clues.
Students may choose to report about the disaster as a meterologist.
Another student may choose to pretend to be a field reporter live on-site. 
Or a student may choose to act as a victim of the disaster.
Students should refer to the scoring tool (pdf file) when preparing for their "live" newscast.
Step 3:
During presentations, students will complete the Active Listening Tool to increase background knowledge about these dangerous conditions. 
Be Smart . . . Be Safe . . . Be Prepared