Name of Lesson: Geohazards

Grade Level: 10th Grade Subject: Earth Science Prepared by: Sherri Harrelson Overview and Purpose: In this lesson, students will work in teams to conduct research on geohazards that occur in specified areas of the U.S. They will develop a plan of preparation in the event that the specified hazard should be at risk of occurring, and they will present the information through a group created presentation which will be published to the class blog. They will then view and comment on others presentations, asking questions or seeking clarification as needed. The purpose of this lesson is to have students collaborate in teams to determine the probability of the occurrence of specified natural disasters through the use of research, as well as to develop a preparedness plan of action should the described event occur. Educational Standards:

EEn.2.1.4: Explain the probability of and preparation for geohazards such as landslides, avalanches, earthquakes and volcanoes in a particular area based on available data. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.9-10.6 Use technology, including the Internet, to produce, publish, and update individual or shared writing products, taking advantage of technologys capacity to link to other information and to display information flexibly and dynamically. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.9-10.7 Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question) or solve a problem; narrow or broaden the inquiry when appropriate; synthesize multiple sources on the subject, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.9-10.8 Gather relevant information from multiple authoritative print and digital sources, using advanced searches effectively; assess the usefulness of each source in answering the research question; integrate information into the text selectively to maintain the flow of ideas, avoiding plagiarism and following a standard format for citation.

Objectives:

At the end of this lesson, students will be able to: * (Synthesis Level) explain the probability of the group's geohazard occurring in the identified location. * (Synthesis Level) develop a plan of preparation for those in the group's defined area should the specified geohazard occur. * (Evaluation Level) critique others' presentations by making comments and clarifying presented information.

Materials Needed: Computer access Internet connection Other Resources: (websites, videos, books, etc.) https://docs.google.com/ (students will need to install Google Drive if they havent already done so) http://wordpress.com/ http://www.usgs.gov/natural_hazards/ Information on various natural hazards http://avalanche.state.co.us/index.php Information on avalanches in Colorado http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/volcanoes/ Information on volcanoes in Hawaii http://www.data.scec.org/recenteqs/ Information on earthquakes in California http://www.dnr.wa.gov/RESEARCHSCIENCE/TOPICS/GEOLOGICHAZARDSMAPPING/P AGES/LANDSLIDES.ASPX Information on landslides in Washington state Information: This lesson is designed to be used with an online class, although it could be adapted to use in a traditional classroom. Students should be allowed two weeks to conduct research, collaborate, and prepare the presentation. Verification:

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Monitor google docs for participation and generation of ideas, research, links, etc. Monitor google presentation for participation and development. Check in with each group and/or individual student regularly over the course of the project to ask questions, promote development of ideas, ensure adequate abilities in using online tools, and to maintain open communication.

Activity: *Please note, students should be advised to install Google Drive if they havent already done so. See the link below for installation help. http://support.google.com/drive/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=2375078 Students will be assigned to groups that will be researching and discussing various geohazards in particular areas of the US. These will include: avalanches in Colorado, volcanoes in Hawaii, earthquakes in California, and landslides in Washington state. After being assigned to groups, students will be provided with a google doc page for their group to discuss research links, collaborate on the probability of the specified geohazard occurring in the defined area, and ways of preparing for such an event. Groups will then collaboratively develop a presentation using google, which will display their findings and preparedness plans. This will ultimately be embedded or linked through the class blog previously established on word-press. After posting the presentation, students will view other groups presentations to ask questions, seek clarification of ideas, and make comments. Students will be expected to view and comment on at least two of the other presentations. Links have been provided as a starting point, but students should be encouraged to seek out other sources of reliable information. Students should be reminded of the use of proper

citations of sources and the importance of avoiding plagiarism. They should also be reminded of the importance of participation in the activity. It is integral that students be aware that docs and presentations will be monitored in the development stages to check for participation and progress. In addition, students should be comfortable seeking clarification and posing questions pertaining to the assignment as needed through email, chat, or any other previously defined means of teacher-student interactions. Extensions: Compare other areas of the world where similar geohazards occur and describe the similarities in environment that make such occurrences likely. Determine how population growth has impacted geohazards and ways of limiting the effects of geohazards on a population (e.g. choosing to build in particular locations, avoiding knowledge of past events, etc.). Describe how certain weather events and geohazards precipitate the occurrence of other geohazards.