Natural Disaster WebQuest

Introduction

Natural disasters are extreme, sudden events caused by environmental factors. They can happen at any time, often with little or no warning and they can cause serious injury to people and property. Earthquakes, tornadoes, wind storms, floods, tsunamis, wild fires, hurricanes, and heat waves often strike with little or no warning. People who are prepared for such an event have a better chance of survival. Preparation ensures that if disaster occurs people are ready to get through it safely and make an efficient response. Preparedness means figuring out what you'll do when a disaster occurs, planning for problems that may occur during the disaster, and practicing the plan.

The Task

Your job is to create a newsletter to inform the public how to survive a natural disaster. Your newsletter must include articles about the following information:

Scientific information on the catastrophe including its cause
Questions and answers about the catastrophe
Story about a famous catastrophe
Tips on how to get ready or be prepared for the disaster
Article on what to do during the catastrophe
Article on what to do after the catastrophe
Information on when and where the disaster is most likely to occur
Story about an unusual catastrophe

Resources

The following sites can provide useful information.

General sites:

Earthquakes:

Tsunamis:

Tornadoes:

Hurricanes:

The Process

Your job is to work in a group to create a newsletter that will be sent to every family in your town. This information will help citizens prepare for a natural disaster.

1. Before going to the library the group will have an organizational meeting. Job assignments will be given. Reporters will be responsible for writing two articles, submitting two printed sources for each article, and saving one picture for each article. Editors will be responsible for choosing the newsletter template, writing one article, importing clip art and pictures, and helping reporters. As a group you will need to decide how the newsletter will be typed and the length of each article.

2. Two days will be spent in the library doing research and writing a rough copy of articles. Each reporter will be responsible for providing one possible picture or piece of clip art to go along with their article. The editor will responsible for one article. Rough drafts will be completed for homework.

3. Each group will have an organizational meeting. Everyone in the group will proof read each other articles and check their sources for accuracy and plagiarism. Each assignment will be signed by every member of the group and will be submitted with the final newsletter. Pictures and layout may be discussed, but the editor will make the final decisions. Members will be given their typing assignment.

4. Each article will be typed and merged into new letter along with graphics and pictures.

5. Each member of the group will proof read the entire news letter and make necessary corrections. The final copy will be two school days later.

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