Natural Disasters Web Quest
Introduction
Natural disasters are extreme, sudden events caused by natural forces rather than by
human action.
They can happen unexpectedly and can cause devastation to people,
property and the economy. Earthquakes, wildfires, tornadoes, volcanic eruptions, and
tsunamis often strike with little or no warning. Being prepared for such an event provides
a better chance of survival. 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.
 Land movement disasters (avalanches, earthquakes, landslides, volcanic eruptions)
 Water disasters (floods, hurricanes, tsunamis)
 Weather disasters (blizzards, cyclonic storms, drought, hailstorms, heat waves,
tornadoes, wildfires)
The Task
It is essential to get information out to the public before another natural disaster strikes.
The medium choice is yours: brochure, television commercial, radio commercial, billboard,
poster or flyer. Your product or presentation must include the following:
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Scientific description of what the disaster is as well as causes
An account of a well-known natural disaster
Tips on preparation for such a calamity
Q & A section about the disaster
Suggestions of what to do during and after a natural disaster
Information about where and when the natural disaster is most likely to happen
Include photos and / or video clips
Remember to document your resources and use your own words
The Process
The Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce has hired you to helped inform the public.
Your job is to work as a group to create a product or presentation that will be sent or
communicated to every family in Northern Kentucky. This information will help citizens
prepare for a natural disaster. Although only some of the natural disasters are likely to
happen in our area, because of world travel, our public may be faced with any of them at
some time in their lives.
* The group must choose an editor or general manager to lead the group
through the process.
* Meet with your group to determine which medium will be used.
* Organize so that all parts of the assignment are being covered.
* Merge all parts into one cohesive product or presentation.
* Each member should proof read the final product or presentation and as a
group make necessary changes.
* Your final creation will be shared with the group.
Evaluation
Individual Assignments
Accuracy of facts (up to 5 points)
Clarity and flow (up to 5 points)
Details present (up to 5 points)
Sources (up to 5 points)
Editing skills used (up to 5 point)
Final Presentation or Product
Appearance and neatness (up to 5 points)
Images and/or video (up to 5 points)
Task directions followed (up to 5 points)
Group work (up to 5 points)
Conclusion
Preparing for a disaster can save lives. Knowledge is essential for this preparation to take
place.
Resources
General sites:
 http://www.fema.gov/
 http://www.redcross.org/
 http://www.highstreetcentral.com/weather.htm
 http://kids.infoplease.lycos.com/ipka/A0775896.html
 http://grsites.com/
 http://projects.ajc.com/gallery/view/metro/news/disasters-2010/1.html
 www.youtube.com
Tsunamis:
 http://www.shoa.cl/oceano/itic/frontpage.html
 http://observe.ivv.nasa.gov/nasa/exhibits/tsunami/tsun_bay.html
 http://www.geophys.washington.edu/tsunami/welcome.html
 http://www.pmel.noaa.gov/tsunami-hazard/
 http://www.calacademy.org/calwild/spring99/tsunamis.htm
 http://search.britannica.com/search?query=tsunami
Earthquakes:
 http://quake.wr.usgs.gov/prepare/index.html
 http://lafd.org/eqindex.htm
 http://www.eqe.com/publications/homeprep/
 http://www.teleport.com/~bfryer/
 http://www.syzygyjob.org/
 http://neic.usgs.gov/neis/bulletin/bulletin.html
 http://search.britannica.com/search?query=earthquake
 http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/recenteqsus/
 http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/recenteqsww/
 http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/states/index.php?regionID=17
Hurricanes:
 http://search.britannica.com/search?query=hurricane
 http://kids.infoplease.lycos.com/ce6/weather/A0824612.html
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http://hurricanes.noaa.gov/
http://www.usatoday.com/weather/huricane/whur0.htm
http://www.gopbi.com/weather/special/storm/about/
Tornadoes:
 http://www.tornadoproject.com/
 http://tornadochaser.com/
 http://search.britannica.com/search?ref=A02023&query=tornado
Forest Fires:
 http://www.nifc.gov/fire_info/nfn.htm
 http://www.smokeybear.com/
 http://ajwaters.myweb.uga.edu/
 http://forestry.about.com/cs/forestfire/a/good_bad_ugly.htm
Suggested search engines:
 www.bing.com
 www.google.com
 www.dogpile.com
(Penny Thomas, Kenton County Schools : sources used – http://projects.ajc.com/gallery/view/metro/news/disasters-2010/1.html, http://chsweb.lr.k12.nj.us/ewightman/disaster.htm#Learning
Advice)