Brief Description

In this lesson students will work in groups of four to complete a WebQuest on natural disasters.  Each group member will have a role.  There will be a reporter, a citizen, a paramedic and a mayor.  The group will have to research potential natural disasters that can affect their area.  Then each group will create a way to inform the public on how to prepare for a natural disaster.

Standards and Frameworks

Technology Standards

6T-F1. Use technology resources for problem solving, self-directed learning and
extended learning activities

6SC-F6. Describe natural events and how humans are affected by them
6SC-F5. Identify major features of natural processes and forces that shape the earth’s surface, including weathering and volcanic activity

Academic

• Students will collect information about the natural disasters that affect their local geographic areas.
• Students will select information that is relevant to share with the public at large.
• Students will express their findings through their assigned role.

• Students will select a method of presenting their information to the public in the most effective technological means.

• Cut and paste, copying URLs, copying images from the Internet.
• Intermediate searching skills on the Internet.
• Knowledge of PowerPoint, Publisher, Web Page design, Word.

Computer with Internet access
Presentation software that can include:  PowerPoint, Publisher
MS Word
Netscape Composer or other web page design software

Accommodations for Special Needs

Students with special needs would be placed in groups with other students thus balancing the groups in terms of skill level.

Procedures

1. Students should be divided into groups of four.  Each student should be assigned a role:  paramedic, mayor, reporter or citizen.  It might be best to have them draw out of a hat or count off to decide on roles.
2. Students should then visit the WebQuest site and read through the entire site.  This will give them an overview of the entire project. http://www.kn.pacbell.com/wired/fil/pages/webdisasterka.html
3. Once each member of the team has had a chance to read through the site, then the teacher can ask if there are any questions.  This would be the time to clarify general directions and timelines.
4. This WebQuest should take about 2 – 3 weeks to complete, depending on how much time is spent on it each day.
5. In a classroom with Internet access, students can rotate using the computer(s) to do their online research.  At the same time other students work to sort through their information.
6. The teacher should talk to each group about every other day to check on their progress.
7. Students will be working at times independently and at times as a group.  It is important for each member of the team to know where the group is as a whole.  This is why daily or ever other day meetings are important.
8. When all students have completed their projects they will be presented to the class.  Each group should explain how they would share this information with their community at large.

Students will be assesses through out the project using a checklist system.  There will also be a final rubric for the completed project.  Both assessments will be based on group work. Both assessments are included.

Teacher Name: Karen Gutierrez
Site: The University of Arizona
Date Submitted: May 13, 2002