Natural Disasters in Texas

This six-week unit focuses on the study of natural disasters in Texas as a way to have students learn not only about their topic, but also to explore model-making, drawing appropriate conclusions from their data and applying those conclusions to real-life scenarios through advocacy in a debate. 

At least six weeks will be required for students to have ample time to research the structure and cause of their natural disaster, what factors are affecting their natural disaster, construct their model, and analyze the data on the frequencies and strength of their natural disaster. This will be followed by a time to synthesize the information they learn from not only their own project, but also the variety of projects that will emerge from their peers.  They will do this by forming a research based debate from the perspective of a lay person, a policy maker or a scientist about which disasters need immediate attention, why, and what would be the best course of action to take.  It could be beneficial to team up with a social studies teacher in order to conduct this debate in order to demonstrate how policymaking can be influenced.

            A variety of equipment will need to be available for students to make a model and research how a natural disaster happens.  Items such as wave tanks, temperature and CO2 probes, topographic maps, flood tables, weather kits and assorted creative supplies will facilitate this project by providing them a number of possibilities.  Students will generate products such as a three dimensional contour map that shows flood plains, a computer model that demonstrates how seismic waves travel, or an informative video that illustrates a disaster. 

            A basic understanding of how natural disasters occur is helpful, but not essential.  The United States Geologic Survey (www.usgs.gov) has a number of resources online that should give both students and teachers a good starting point.  The education section of their website includes ideas for activities, links to current topics in Geology, and links to webpages about specific natural disasters.  Similarly, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration website (www.noaa.gov) includes information about weather and natural disasters with up-to-date information about current events.  Many other disaster-specific websites give information about the formation and history of disasters in the state.