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
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C
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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
Week 1-3
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Review Vocabulary
on natural disasters Create Word Wall
Think-Pair-Writewith vocabulary
Share
words
work
Define words and
use them in a cloze
worksheet
Make study flash
vocabulary cards
Vocabulary quiz
Read book on
haikus. Introduce
vocabulary on
haikus.
Read book on
haikus. Introduce
pattern and guided
practice.
Read book on
haikus.
Create haikus.
Revise and
Proofread haikus
Revise/Proofread
haikus.
Publish haikus.
Introduce Power
Points
Revise and
Create rough draft
Proofread Power
of Power Point slide
Point slides.
Type PowerPoint
slides.
Presentations
Weekly Schedule Math
Weekly Schedule Science
Week 1-3
Monday
Discuss what a natural
disasters are.
Brainstorm and list
different types of
natural disasters.
Tuesday
List natural disasters
that affect us in this
region of the United
States.
Wednesday
Make natural disaster
posters.
Thursday
Friday
Students will go to the
website, On Haiti's
Earthquake, and
Finish natural disaster
working in groups will
posters and present to
read articles, watch
the class.
video clips, and learn
earthquake history.
Define the different
types of faults. Using
Discuss recent
National Geographic's
earthquakes.
website the students will
Give lesson on what
vicariously simulate
causes earthquakes and earthquakes on an
identify types of faults. interactive website. The
class will do an
earthquake experiment.
Watch, The Day the
Earth Shook, NOVA
broadcast. Discuss
video.
Review what causes
earthquakes and
different types of faults.
Play review game of
Beat the Teacher.
Discuss and create a list
of what the students
Read book, I Know what
have done to prepare for
to Do: A Kids Guide to
a natural disaster. What
Natural Disasters, by
supplies are needed and
Bonnie Mark
why it is important to be
prepared.
Using the disaster spot
website, students will
complete the online
tutorial on preparing for
natural disasters and
take the online quiz.
Research what people
need for a family
Finish and present
preparedness supply kit.
family preparedness
Begin to list and design
plans to the class.
a personal family
preparedness plan.
Test (multiple choice and
fill in the blank) What
causes earthquakes and
different types of faults.
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
Language Arts:
Natural Disaster Haiku Poems
Students will be provided samples of haikus. The students will be introduced
to the definition and pattern of a haiku. Students will be given a haiku pattern
for reference. Students will develop natural disaster haikus.
Students will view a tutorial on how to develop a PowerPoint. Students will
discuss what criterion makes up a successful PowerPoint. Students will learn
the criterion that needs to be included on their slide. Students will create a
slide featuring their haiku poem on natural disasters.
Lesson Plans Continued
Math:
Lesson Plans Continued
Science:
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
Clements, A. (2007). Dogku. New York, NY: Simon and Schuster Children’s Publishing.
Earthquakes: Poems from the Ground up by Lisa Westberg
I Know What to Do: A Kids Guide to Natural Disasters, by Bonnie Mark
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
Reichold, Jane. (2002). Writing and Enjoying Haiku: A Hands-On Guide. New York, NY:
Kodansha Publishing.
Writing and Enjoying Haiku: A Hands-On Guide (2003) by William J. Higginson
References Continued
Websites:
Earthquakes, www.nationalgeographic.com
Every Place has its Faults - http://www.tinynet.com/faults.html
FEMA for kids:Earthquakes - The Modified Mercalli Scale & The Richter Scale:
http://www.fema.gov/kids/intense.htm#earthquakes
Geology labs - virtual earthquake simulation:
http://nemo.sciencecourseware.org/VirtualEarthquake/
Haiti in Ruins After Huge Earthquake, http://www.breakingnewsenglish.com/1001/100114haiti_earthquake.html
National Earthquake Information Center: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/regional/neic/
References Continued
National Earthquake Information Center: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/regional/neic/
On Haiti's Earthquake: A Site for Teachers and Students.
www.freelyeducate.com/2010/01/free-lesson-plans-and-educational-sites-on
haiti-earthquakes.html
Plot current earthquake data http://www.k12science.org/curriculum/musicalplates3/en/studentactivity1.shtml
The Disaster Spot
http://weathereye.kgan.com/cadet/disaster/teachers.htmlwww.edhelper.com
www.edhelper.com
Video:
Nature's Fury -Culver City, CA Columbia Tristar 1996
The Day the Earth shook, a NOVA broadcast, January 16, 1996