Disaster Detectives: Predict & Protect!

9th Grade Project 4 weeks

Disaster Detectives: Predict & Protect!

Larry Williams

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Purpose

The purpose of this project is to equip students with the skills to analyze and interpret data related to natural disasters, fostering an understanding of Earth's systems and their impact on communities. Through collaboration with local emergency management agencies, students will develop practical strategies for disaster prediction and mitigation, enhancing community safety. By engaging in real-world problem-solving, students will strengthen their analytical and critical thinking abilities, preparing them to contribute meaningfully to their community's resilience against natural disasters.

Learning goals

Students will develop skills in data analysis and geographic information systems to identify patterns in historical disaster data. They will enhance their understanding of Earth's systems and their impact on natural disasters. Through collaboration with community partners, students will learn to apply scientific knowledge to real-world challenges, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. The project will culminate in the creation of a comprehensive multimedia presentation, allowing students to effectively communicate their findings and proposed solutions to local stakeholders.

Standards

NGSS - HS-ESS3-1: Construct an explanation based on evidence for how the availability of natural resources, occurrence of natural hazards, and changes in climate have influenced human activity.
NGSS - HS-ESS3-4: Evaluate or refine a technological solution that reduces impacts of human activities on natural systems.
Common Core - CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.HSS.IC.B.6: Evaluate reports based on data.

Products

Throughout the project, students will develop a comprehensive GIS map highlighting historical natural disaster data and potential future risk areas in their community. They will also create a detailed report analyzing patterns and predictions, supported by statistical data. By the end of the project, students will produce a multimedia presentation that includes their GIS map, report findings, and proposed mitigation strategies, which they will present to local emergency management agencies.

Launch

Kick off the project with a field trip to a local emergency management center, where students can interact with professionals and observe real-time data analysis and decision-making processes. Follow this with a hands-on workshop where students use GIS tools to visualize historical disaster data specific to their community. This immersive experience will set the stage for students to understand the relevance of their project and inspire them to delve into their research and analysis with a clear, tangible goal in mind.

Exhibition

At the culmination of the project, students will host a community event where they present their multimedia presentations to local emergency management agencies, community leaders, and families. This exhibition will include interactive stations where students demonstrate their use of GIS and statistical tools to analyze data, allowing attendees to engage with the findings. Students will also facilitate discussions on their proposed strategies for disaster prediction and mitigation, inviting feedback and collaboration from community partners to enhance local preparedness efforts.

Plan

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Activity 1: Begin with an introductory session where students discuss the essential question: 'How can we use our understanding of Earth's systems to predict and mitigate the impacts of natural disasters in our community?' Facilitate group discussions to explore initial thoughts and prior knowledge.	Activity 2: Organize a field trip to a local emergency management center. Students will observe real-time data analysis and decision-making processes. They will take notes and ask questions to gain insights into the practical aspects of disaster management.	Activity 3: Conduct a hands-on workshop on Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Students will learn to use GIS tools to visualize historical disaster data, focusing on data specific to their community. They will begin creating a basic GIS map with provided data sets.	Activity 4: Facilitate a session where students analyze historical natural disaster data. Guide them to identify patterns, using statistical tools to interpret the data effectively. Students will work in pairs to discuss findings and document their observations.	Activity 5: Host a collaborative session where students present their initial GIS maps and data analysis to the class. Encourage peer feedback and discussions on how these insights could inform future disaster predictions and community preparedness strategies.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: A preliminary GIS map highlighting historical natural disaster data specific to the community. 2. Deliverable 2: A summary report detailing patterns identified from the historical data analysis, including potential implications for future disaster prediction.
Preparation	1. Prep Task 1: Arrange and confirm the field trip to the local emergency management center, including transport and permission slips. 2. Prep Task 2: Gather and prepare historical disaster data sets for students to use during the GIS workshop. 3. Prep Task 3: Set up GIS software and tools in the computer lab, ensuring all students have access. 4. Prep Task 4: Develop a rubric for evaluating the preliminary GIS maps and data analysis reports, focusing on accuracy and clarity.

Week 2	Day 6	Day 7	Day 8	Day 9	Day 10
Activities	Activity 1: Facilitate a skill-building workshop on advanced GIS features. Students will learn to layer additional data sets, such as population density and infrastructure, onto their existing maps, enhancing their analysis capabilities.	Activity 2: Organize a virtual Q&A session with a local meteorologist or geologist. Students will prepare questions related to natural disaster patterns and prediction methods, drawing connections to their GIS work.	Activity 3: Conduct a data analysis session where students use statistical tools to identify correlations between geographic features and historical disaster occurrences. They will pinpoint high-risk areas and discuss implications for community planning.	Activity 4: Guide students in drafting a proposal outline for their multimedia presentation. They will focus on integrating their GIS maps, data analysis, and insights from community partner interactions.	Activity 5: Host a peer review session where students present their proposal outlines and receive constructive feedback from classmates. They will refine their outlines based on this feedback, ensuring clarity and coherence.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: An enhanced GIS map including additional data layers (e.g., population density, infrastructure). 2. Deliverable 2: A proposal outline for the multimedia presentation, incorporating peer feedback.
Preparation	1. Prep Task 1: Coordinate a virtual session with a local meteorologist or geologist, ensuring students have internet access and relevant preparatory materials. 2. Prep Task 2: Provide students with resources and tutorials on advanced GIS features, ensuring they can independently explore new functionalities. 3. Prep Task 3: Prepare statistical data sets and tools for students to use during the data analysis session, ensuring all necessary software is installed and operational. 4. Prep Task 4: Develop guidelines and a template for the proposal outline, clarifying expectations and key components for the multimedia presentation.

Week 3	Day 11	Day 12	Day 13	Day 14	Day 15
Activities	Activity 1: Host a collaborative workshop where students refine their GIS maps and data analysis using feedback from peers and teachers. Encourage students to integrate new insights from previous sessions and community partner interactions.	Activity 2: Facilitate a session where students draft sections of their multimedia presentations. They will focus on effectively communicating their findings, including the use of visuals such as charts and maps to support their arguments.	Activity 3: Organize a practical session on multimedia presentation tools. Provide guidance on using software to create engaging and professional presentations, emphasizing the integration of GIS maps and data analysis.	Activity 4: Conduct a mock presentation day where students present their draft multimedia presentations to the class. Encourage peer feedback and suggest improvements for clarity and impact.	Activity 5: Lead a discussion on strategies for disaster mitigation and prediction, inviting students to brainstorm and refine their proposed solutions. Encourage them to consider realistic and innovative approaches that incorporate their data findings.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: Refined GIS maps and data analysis integrated into the multimedia presentation draft. 2. Deliverable 2: Draft of the multimedia presentation, incorporating maps, data, and proposed solutions for community disaster mitigation and prediction.
Preparation	1. Prep Task 1: Review and provide feedback on students' GIS maps and data analysis to support refinement efforts. 2. Prep Task 2: Prepare a list of recommended multimedia presentation tools and tutorials for students to use during the workshop. 3. Prep Task 3: Set up the computer lab with necessary software for multimedia presentation creation and ensure all students have access. 4. Prep Task 4: Develop a peer feedback form to guide constructive critique during the mock presentation session. 5. Prep Task 5: Arrange a brainstorming session with local emergency management professionals to share insights on realistic disaster mitigation strategies for student consideration.

Week 4	Day 16	Day 17	Day 18	Day 19	Day 20
Activities	Activity 1: Conduct final adjustments to multimedia presentations, focusing on refining visual elements and ensuring alignment with data analysis and GIS maps. Facilitate individual work time for students to polish their presentations.	Activity 2: Organize a session for students to practice delivering their presentations in small groups. Encourage them to focus on clear communication, effective use of visuals, and confidence in presenting their data-driven arguments.	Activity 3: Host a Q&A session with local emergency management agency representatives as guest speakers. Students will present their findings and proposed strategies to professionals, receiving feedback and insights to further refine their approaches.	Activity 4: Guide students in preparing for the community exhibition event. They will set up interactive stations with their GIS tools, data analysis, and presentations. Rehearse how they will engage with attendees and facilitate discussions.	Activity 5: Facilitate the community exhibition event where students present their final multimedia presentations to local stakeholders, including emergency management agencies, community leaders, and families. Encourage students to gather feedback and reflect on their learning journey.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: Finalized multimedia presentation incorporating refined GIS maps, data analysis, and proposed disaster mitigation strategies. 2. Deliverable 2: Reflection journal entry where students document feedback received, their learning process, and insights gained from engaging with community partners.
Preparation	1. Prep Task 1: Review and provide final feedback on students' multimedia presentations, ensuring they meet project goals and presentation standards. 2. Prep Task 2: Coordinate with local emergency management agency representatives to confirm their participation in the Q&A session and community exhibition event. 3. Prep Task 3: Arrange the venue for the community exhibition, including setup for interactive stations and ensuring necessary technology and equipment are available. 4. Prep Task 4: Develop a schedule and guidelines for the community exhibition event, detailing presentation times and roles for students. 5. Prep Task 5: Prepare reflection prompts to guide students in documenting their learning experiences and feedback from the exhibition.