Geologic
Hazards WebQuest
Project URL: www.teachersnetwork.org/teachnetusa/dpatrick/index.htm
How
it works:
The goal of this program is to identify a geologically related
hazard or catastrophe that has occurred in the past. Once identified,
students will research the causes, impacts, responses, and resulting
mitigation efforts that were involved in this event. The program will
use the Internet as the primary research tool,
starting with pre-selected Web sites. Students will also make contact
with a scientist who specializes in this field of study
to get an expert opinion on the subject. The information, once
gathered and analyzed, will be compiled and presented in the form of a
PowerPoint presentation, written report, play, or videotape for
evaluation (alternative methods are okay with teacher approval).
This Geologic Hazards WebQuest provides an opportunity for students to engage in a
collaborative, self-directed investigation that can serve as a
alternative culminating assessment for several major understandings related
to the Physical Setting/Earth Science course. A variety of MST standards are addressed, as outlined below. Examples
of student work should be presented beforehand to clarify
expectations. (Samples can be found by clicking on the STUDENT
PROJECTS link at www.ccsd.edu/science/esci/)
Standards addressed:
Students will be able to access, generate, process, and transfer
information, using Internet technology and computer software
applications, and will apply the knowledge and thinking skills of
mathematics, science, and technology to address the real-life problem
of geologic and natural hazards and become better at making informed
decisions. They will recognize that landforms are the result of
the interaction of tectonic forces and the processes of weathering,
erosion, and deposition. The results of these processes can sometimes
be catastrophic and result in loss of life and property. Natural agents of
erosion--generally driven by gravity--remove,
transport, and deposit weathered rock particles. Each agent of erosion
produces distinctive changes in the material that it transports and
creates characteristic surface features and landscapes. In certain erosion
situations, loss of property, personal injury, and life can be
reduced by effective emergency preparedness.
Materials
used:
A computer with Internet connection, word processing software, and
PowerPoint,
FrontPage, or other presentation software is required. For in-class presentations,
a computer with a large monitor or LCD projector is used.
The students:
The Geologic Hazards WebQuest is intended for high school
(grades 8-12) Earth Science students as a complementary component to the study of
the Earth's Dynamic Crust and Surface Processes units. Although
students will continue to develop Earth Science skills and knowledge
through this program, they must be familiar with role of plate
tectonics in shaping Earth's surface, and the interplay between weathering, erosion,
and deposition in the physical setting beforehand. It is
recommended that students work individually or in pairs, and
have some experience using word processing and Internet browsing
software.
Overall value:
This assignment provides an opportunity for students of varying
abilities and learning styles to demonstrate an understanding of
complicated geologic and social processes. The information
available over the Internet provides the basis for a constructivist
learning experience that challenges students to develop a risk
assessment associated with natural hazards. The flexibility
associated with the form of the final product encourages the use of
varied skills, especially the use of electronic media and presentation
software.
Tips:
In the past, I have allowed students three days of computer time
to develop their information, and an additional week or two to
complete the assignment. I then require each group to present the
final product to their peers, during which I complete the evaluation.
If you are relying on particular Web sites, check that they are
working beforehand!
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About the teacher:
Drew Patrick is an Earth Science teacher at Clarkstown High School
South in Rockland County, NY. A former curatorial scientist with
the ocean drilling program, Drew has experience in both research and
education. In addition to his teaching duties at South High School,
Drew also serves as co-coordinator of the science research program and
school webmaster. The idea for this lesson stems from a course
Drew co-teaches each summer in Naples, Italy, entitled Geology and
Civilization in Italy.
E-mail:
apatrick@ccsd.edu
Subject
Areas:
Science
Technology
Grade
Levels:
8-12
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