Analyzing natural disasters is an important part of the science curriculum. Natural disasters are a real threat and can affect city planning, construction techniques, and emergency services.
Tracking a Hurricane
Give students coordinate data for locations of a hurricane on a given day. Have the students plot the hurricane on the map and indicate whether it is a tropical storm or a hurricane. Using a weather map of conditions for that day, have the students predict the path of the hurricane for the coming days. Plot only one day at a time, issuing watches and warnings as needed. Discuss how high- and low-pressure areas and wind/water currents affect the path of the hurricane. Discuss the choice of issuing evacuation orders. When should evacuation orders be issued? What are the repercussions?
Hurricane Katrina Evaualtion
Have the students research the damage done by Hurricane Katrina. Discuss how New Orleans is set up to prevent such disasters with the lock and levee systems. What caused the levees to fail? Have the students explain how development (especially of wetlands) may have contributed to the problem. Ask the students to make recommendations based on their research.
Earthquake Lesson Plans
Create the P, S, and surface waves of an earthquake through a demonstration with a slinky. Hold the slinky in two hands and move your hands toward and away from each other to create a P wave. Wave the slinky side to side like a snake to demonstrate an S wave. Use the slinky like a jump rope to demonstrate a surface wave. Fill a shoe box with loose sand or soil. Place a block or milk carton on top of the sand. Shake the box side to side rapidly to demonstrate liquefaction. Have the students explain what happened to the block or milk carton.
Tags: Have students, block milk, block milk carton, evacuation orders, Have students explain, Hurricane Katrina