Natural Disasters
Integrated Theme Unit
By
Kristen Box, Felicia Mack, & Rachel McIntosh
Unit Summary
The objective of this thematic unit is to cover a variety of topics related to natural
disasters . This is very relevant in our society today because we have all been affected
by the earthquake in Haiti and subsequence earthquakes around the world. Also , in
the area of the country where we live we are in danger of hurricanes, storms, and
flooding.
In science the focus will be on emergency plans and identifying different natural
disasters. We will discuss earthquakes and how they happen. The students will make
emergency plans for their own families. We will discuss the earthquake in Haiti and
other natural disasters the students have been through.
In language arts the children will think creatively and write Haiku poems based on
vocabulary words and concepts they learn about natural disasters. The poems will
explore their feelings on different natural disasters. Using technology, the students will
prepare and present to the class power points on natural disasters.
In math the students will do a variety of exercises concerning earthquakes.
Researching data from earthquakes from the last five years the students will graph the
results of their findings. The students will also compare earthquakes and use different
graphs such as line graphs and bar graphs to analyze the results.
Make a graph of an
earthquake using data of
date and size.
M
A
J
O
R
C
O
N
C
E
P
T
S
Math
Language
Arts
Identify vocabulary
related to natural
disasters and
earthquakes.
Compare two
earthquakes by using a
bar graph and a line
graph.
Create a scale using positive
and negative numbers to
access the damage of an
earthquake.
Write a Haiku poem
about natural disasters.
Natural
Disasters
Identify vocabulary
related to natural
disasters and
earthquakes.
Identify emergency plans
and procedures for
natural disasters.
What is an
earthquake?
Science
Design a family
preparedness plan.
Identify natural
disasters.
Learning Goals
Science
• To show earthquakes and explain what causes them and explain different fault types
• To identify different natural disasters
• To identify and prepare emergency preparedness plans
Language Arts
•To have students write Haiku poems
•Create a Power Point and present it to the class
•To learn vocabulary associated with natural disasters
Math
•To create a scale from historical numerical data on earthquakes in the past five years
•To create a scale to assess the damage of earthquakes
•Using a bar graph to compare two earthquakes
Student Learning Outcomes
SCIENCE
1. Identify an emergency plan and a procedure for severe weather and natural disasters
with 80% accuracy.
2. Design and plan a family preparedness plan for their family using a rubric with 80%
accuracy.
3. Create a poster identifying different natural disasters using a rubric with 80% accuracy.
4. Identify What causes earthquakes with 80% accuracy.
LANGUAGE ARTS
1. Given an example of a Haiku, students will write their own Haiku poem about natural
disasters with 90% accuracy.
2. Given an introduction on Power Point, students will work collaboratively to present their
natural disaster to the class. Students will be assessed by a rubric with 80% accuracy.
3. Given a word list, student will be able to define vocabulary words with 90% accuracy.
Student Learning Outcomes Continued…
MATH
1. Based on the historical numeric data given where all earthquakes from the last five years
are listed by date and size, graphically depict this information, then describe what your
graphic results show. (i.e.: is there any pattern the size of the earthquakes? do they happen
with any predictability? what can you interpret from your line graph?)
2. Create a scale using both positive and negative numbers that can be used to assess the
damage of each earthquake. Attach a number value to the most recent earthquake in Haiti
and explain why you chose that value. This value should be consistent with the scale you
create.
3. Compare two earthquakes visually using a bar graph to visually represent your
comparison. Use the Richter scale ratings as your data points. Using the same two
earthquakes you have chosen to represent in your bar graph, assign number values from the
scale you created in problem two and create a line graph that visually depicts that damage
number assigned to each earthquake.
Sunshine State Standards
Science State Standards:
1. SC.5.E.7.In.g: Identify emergency plans and procedures for severe weather.
2. SC.5.E.7.7: Design a family preparedness plan for natural disasters and identify reasons for
having such a plan.
3. SC.5.E.7.pa.d: Recognize examples of severe weather.
4. SC.5.P.10.2: Investigate and explain that energy has the ability to cause motion or create
change.
Language Arts State Standards:
1. LA.5.1.6.1 : The student will use new vocabulary that is introduced and taught directly.
2. LA 5.5.2.1:The student will listen and speak to gain and share information for a variety of
purposes.
3. LA.5.3.5.1 : The student will prepare writing using technology in a format appropriate to
audience and purpose.
Math State Standards:
1. MA.5.A.4.2: Construct and describe a graph showing continuous data, such as a graph of a
quantity that changes over time.
2. MA.5.A.6.3: Describe real-world situations using positive and negative numbers.
3. MA.5.S.7.1: Construct and analyze line graphs and double bar graphs.
Daily Schedule
7:30 Morning Work
7:50 Reading Block
9:20 Restroom
9:30 Language Arts/Spelling
10:30 Wash hands for lunch
10:36 Lunch
11:01 Restroom
11:15 Recess
11:30 Math
12:30 Science/Soc. Studies
1:30 Restroom/ Snack
1:50 Pack up
2:00 Dismissal
Weekly Schedule Language Arts
Weekly Schedule Math
Weekly Schedule Science
MEDIA LIST
Computers with internet access
Power Point
VCR/TV
DVD player
Overhead projector
Videos
Books
Laptops/Projector
Smart Board
Document Camera
Safari Montage (website with access to numerous video clips)
Lesson Plans
Lesson Plans Continued
Culminating Activities
“Fifth Grade Presents: Natural Disasters” Present at a Family Fun
Night or PTA Night
Students can host a Poetry Night to feature Haikus.
Students can present Science Fair Projects.
Students can show families how to measure an Earthquake.
Students can help raise donations for an organization like Red
Cross for the children in Haiti.
Assessments
Richter scale graphs
Create a scale using positive and negative numbers
Graph illustrating date and size of earthquake
Design a family preparedness plan
Short answer test
Illustrate a poster
Multiple choice test identifying causes of natural disasters
Power point Presentation
Writing Haiku poems
Vocabulary quiz
Think-Pair-Write-Share
References
Books:
I Know What to Do: A Kids Guide to Natural Disasters, by Bonnie Mark
Dogku by Andrews Clement
Writing and Enjoying Haiku: A Hands-On Guide (2003) by William J. Higginson
Earthquakes: Poems from the Ground up by Lisa Westberg
Language Arts Handbook: SRA Imagine It. (2008). Columbus, OH:Mc Graw-Hill.
Moger, S.(2006). A Poem for Every Day!: An Anthology of 180 Poems With Activities to Enhance
Your Teaching(pp.60-75). New York: Scholastic
References Continued
Websites:
www.edhelper.com
Geology labs - virtual earthquake simulation:
http://nemo.sciencecourseware.org/VirtualEarthquake/
National Earthquake Information Center: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/regional/neic/
FEMA for kids:Earthquakes - The Modified Mercalli Scale & The Richter Scale:
http://www.fema.gov/kids/intense.htm#earthquakes
Every Place has its Faults - http://www.tinynet.com/faults.html
Plot current earthquake data http://www.k12science.org/curriculum/musicalplates3/en/studentactivity1.shtml
References Continued
Earthquakes, www.nationalgeographic.com
Haiti in Ruins After Huge Earthquake, http://www.breakingnewsenglish.com/1001/100114haiti_earthquake.html
On Haiti's Earthquake: A Site for Teachers and Students.
www.freelyeducate.com/2010/01/free-lesson-plans-and-educational-sites-on-haitiearthquakes.html
The Disaster Spot, http://weathereye.kgan.com/cadet/disaster/teachers.html
Video:
The Day the Earth shook, a NOVA broadcast, January 16, 1996
Nature's Fury -Culver City, CA Columbia Tristar 1996