Weather Disasters - Be Prepared!

A WebQuest Created by:

Lon L. Eilders, II

Introduction | Task | Process | Evaluation | Conclusion | Teachers | Credits/References

Introduction

At any time the weather can change.  This change sometimes can be disastrous.  Are you ready?

Task

Develop a Disaster Action Plan for your family, choose what type of storm chaser you would be, and design an Excel spreadsheet showing the cost of all the items needed in your families Disaster Supply Kit.

Process

Part I: Using the following website summarize what a storm chaser is and describe each of the nine categories of storm chasers.  Then choose one of these categories to be as a career and reflect on why you chose this category. (Submit at least a one page word document for this portion of the assignment)

Storm Chaser Homepage.com (Click storm chasing media information)

Part II: Using the following website develop a family disaster plan (Word Document) and an Excel spreadsheet that shows all the items that need to be in your family disaster supply kit, the prices for each item and the the total cost.

FEMA for Kids

Questions that should be answered in your family disaster plan are:

What type of disasters occur in your state?

How should you protect your home against natural disaster?

What are the signs in the weather that can signal that you might need to enact your family disaster plan?

How should you protect your pets (if you have any)?

What should be the procedures to follow for each type of disaster that might occur?

Have your family help with part II of the assignment.  You will need to go to the store to price items.

Evaluation

The students will be evaluated using the following rubric:

Rubric (Word Document)

Rubric (PDF File)

Weather Rubric

Conclusion

While you will probably never have to use your disaster plan or supply kit, does it not feel good to know that you have a plan to make sure you and your family will be safe?

Teachers

Grade Band: 7th Science

Tennessee State Standards: 7th Science 

7.8.1Interpret the relationship between weather and the water cycle.

7.8.2 Investigate the relationship between the collection of weather data and its interpretation.

7.8.3 Explain how changes in oceanic and atmospheric conditions affect climate.

7.8.4 Explore careers related to meteorology.

Purpose: To encourage students to learn about effects of weather and how to plan for emergencies through the exciting use of the Internet.  To encourage the presentation of data through a Word and an Excel document.

Preceding and Ensuing Events of Instruction: The teacher should first show the IMAX movie Stormchasers (67 minutes) which is available through slingshot.  This should prompt student interest in the topics covered in this WebQuest.  Ordering information at www.slingshotdvd.com

The teacher will need to explain and facilitate the development of the Word and Excel documents.

This WebQuest can prompt future interest of students in the science of weather and in the field of meteorology as a career.

Learning Improvements: Students will be allowed to do independent research which should lead to a move away from extrinsic rewards to greater intrinsic rewards.  Learning will be reinforced when the students assemble and evaluate the research they have done.

Improvements and Expansions:  This WebQuest can be expanded by teaching the science behind each of the natural disasters highlighted on the FEMA web page.

Credits/References

The Federal Emergency Management Agency. (2003). FEMA for kids. Retrieved July 3, 2003, from http://www.fema.gov/kids

Faidley, W. (2003). Storm chaser hompage.com. Retrieved July 3, 2003, from http:www.stormchasers.com

Museum Film Network and WGBH Educational Foundation. (2002). Stormchasers. [DVD] Mississauga, Ontario, Canada: IMAX Corporation.

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