MCCS PBL Plan
Name of
Project
Subjects
Teachers
Grades
Content
(VASOLs)
21st Century
Competencies
Natural Disaster Preparedness Plan
Science, Social Studies, English, Math
Katie Brennen and Jessica Drawdy
4/5
VS.10, SCI 4.6, 5.6, 5.2, 5.3 Math 4.3, 4.9, 4.13, 5.8,5.16 Reading 4.5, 5.6, 4.6, 5.8
Project
Summary
Collaboration: ____yes____
Communication: ___yes____
Critical Thinking: __yes_____
Creativity and Innovation: __yes____
Other: _______________________
The project will begin its focus with a broad overview of the four natural disasters – tornado,
hurricane, tsunami, and blizzard. Students will research their natural disaster in order to educate the
community on facts and preparedness measures. They can make a model, performance art, broadcast,
vlog, story, song, etc. As the experts in the field, they will compose and present their preparedness
plans to their communities in need. They will need to design the plan so that it can be distributed and
accessed by all Americans (despite access to the internet, cable, etc.). Students will provide feedback
and reflections for both their preparedness plans, as well as critique their peers’ plans. They will
provide a reflection of their project and its effectiveness at the conclusion.
Driving
Question
You are one of the newest members of FEMA. You have just discovered that a natural disaster is about
to hit. It is your job to protect the American people. Devise a preparedness plan for community at risk.
Entry Event
Use infamous hurricanes that have impacted the United States (Sandy, Katrina) to facilitate a
discussion about natural disasters.
Products
Individual
Public
Audience
Resources
Needed
Reflection
Methods
Assessment
Format (s)
Research Product – vlog, three-dimensional representation, song, performance art,
story, etc.
Preparedness Plan
Concluding Reflection
Disaster Research
Team
Jigsaw Activity
Tug-of-War (which disaster is most devastating)
Peer Critiques
Leo Night – MCCS families
Peers/Teachers
Computer Lab, Classroom, Internet, Library
On-site
people,
facilities
Cameras, Computers
Equipment
Construction materials for art projects, journals
Materials
N/A
Community
Resources
Journal/Learning Log: Yes
Whole-Class Discussion: Yes
Survey: No
Focus Groups: Yes
Fishbowl Discussion: Yes
Other: Jigsaw, Tug-of-War
Rubric, Reflection