Science, Investigate, Apply, Analyze, Communicate, Collaborate

High School Earth Science, Iowa Online Databases, Graphic Organizer Exploratree, Blist, PBwiki

As a culminating activity in Earth Science on earthquakes, students are asked to explore two major disasters that have occurred within the past 3 years that were caused by the movement of the earth's plates. Students are asked to respond to the following questions regarding these two disasters: Where were these located? How were their causes alike and different? How could these disasters be better predicted, both in scope and location? What recommendations would you provide to government and relief agencies in order for them to be better prepared to serve people's needs before and after such emergencies? Student groups would research world disasters using Iowa Online Databases to find information that they collect in Blist which is an online database. Using Exploratree, students will take this information and create a flow chart of information. Student teams will work collaboratively in PBwiki and will share their results to the community in PBWiki.

Procedure:
1) Establish student teams and roles
2) Student teams will research recent disasters to select 2 that they will work with
3) Students will use Blist to collect information and image data about the disaster.
4) Using the information in Blist, student teams will create an organization flowchart of their information in Exploratree
5) Student teams will work collaboratively in a PBwiki page to pull together explanations of questions, citations, images and final recommendations.
6) Student teams will post their recommendations for members of the class
7) Other student teams will be invited to share their comments and ask questions to explore.
8) Student teams will use class comments and questions to revise their production and will share the description of the disasters, similarities and differences, predictions of the disaster and suggested recommendations for preparedness.

Essential Skills and Concepts: L: Reads for a variety of purposes and across content areas, Uses a variety of skills and strategies to comprehend complex non-fiction and informational text, Uses an effective writing process, Uses knowledge of purpose, audience, format, and medium in developing written communication, Engages in the information literacy process: accesses, evaluates, and communicates information and ideas, Incorporates technology as a tool to enhance writing, Participates in a variety of communication situations, Listens for information and understanding S: Identifies questions and concepts that guide scientific investigations, Recognizes and analyzes alternative explanations and models, Understands and applies knowledge of Geochemical cycles SS: Understand how physical and human characteristics create and define regions, Understand how human factors and the distribution of resources affect the development of society and the movement of populations, Understand how physical and human processes shape the earth's surface and major ecosystems T: Apply digital tools to gather, evaluate, and use information, Demonstrate critical thinking skills using appropriate tools and resources to plan and conduct research, manage projects, solve problems and make informed decisions E: Communicate and work productively with others, incorporating different perspectives and cross cultural understanding, to increase innovation and the quality of work, Adapt to various roles and responsibilities and work flexibly in climates of ambiguity and
changing priorities, Demonstrate leadership skills, integrity