7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th Grades
Project
5 weeks
"Westside Warriors: Lāhui Safety Quest!"
1-pager
Purpose
The purpose of this learning experience is to engage students in a meaningful, community-centered project that combines traditional knowledge with modern scientific approaches to disaster preparedness. Students will actively collaborate with community partners to understand and address the unique natural disaster risks faced by Westside Oahu. Through hands-on activities, research, and creative expression, students will develop practical skills and a deeper understanding of resilience and safety planning. This project aims to foster critical thinking, collaboration, and cultural appreciation while empowering students to contribute to the well-being of their community.
Learning goals
Students will develop a comprehensive understanding of natural disaster risks specific to Westside Oahu by analyzing historical events and current data. They will enhance their skills in geographic information systems (GIS) mapping and scientific inquiry through experiments and simulations. Additionally, students will cultivate collaboration and communication abilities by engaging with community partners and presenting their findings in various formats. The project will also deepen their appreciation for integrating traditional knowledge with modern strategies in disaster preparedness.
Standards
- NGSS - MS-ESS3-2: Analyze and interpret data on natural hazards to forecast future catastrophic events and inform the development of technologies to mitigate their effects.
- 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.
- Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.9-10.7: Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question) or solve a problem; narrow or broaden the inquiry when appropriate; synthesize multiple sources on the subject, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.
Products
Students will create a series of infographics and posters that visually communicate key elements of their safety plan, including historical disaster data and proposed response strategies. They will construct a physical model of Westside Oahu, illustrating potential impacts of various natural disasters, integrating scientific data and traditional knowledge. These products will be showcased at the Safety Plan Art Gallery and used as centerpieces for student-led workshops at the Westside Resilience Festival.
Launch
Begin the project with an immersive 'Disaster Preparedness Scavenger Hunt' where students actively explore their community to identify existing safety measures and potential hazards. Encourage them to engage with local residents to gather insights and document their findings. Follow this with a 'Cultural Wisdom Circle,' where students participate in a storytelling session led by cultural practitioners and community elders, learning about traditional disaster preparedness practices and their contemporary relevance.
Exhibition
Students will present their safety plans at the 'Westside Resilience Festival,' showcasing their work through interactive workshops and cultural performances that emphasize both traditional and modern disaster management strategies. They will also create a 'Safety Plan Art Gallery' where visual representations like infographics and models are displayed, accompanied by student presentations explaining their design choices. This exhibition provides a platform for community engagement, allowing students to share their insights and receive feedback from local residents and experts.
Plan
| Week 1 |
Day 1
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Day 2
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Day 3
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Day 4
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Day 5
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| Activities |
Project Kickoff and Essential Question Introduction - Introduce the project and essential question: 'How can we design a comprehensive safety plan that effectively addresses the unique natural disaster risks faced by our Westside Oahu community?' (30 min)
Disaster Preparedness Scavenger Hunt - Students explore local areas to identify existing safety measures and potential hazards, documenting findings through photos and notes. (120 min)
Reflection and Discussion - Gather as a class to discuss findings from the scavenger hunt and reflect on initial observations. (30 min)
Cultural Wisdom Circle - Participate in a storytelling session with cultural practitioners and community elders to learn about traditional disaster preparedness practices. (60 min)
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Introduction to Natural Disasters - Present an overview of natural disasters relevant to Westside Oahu, using videos and interactive maps. (60 min)
Community Partner Session: Meteorologist - Engage with a local meteorologist to learn about weather patterns and prediction models impacting the region. (90 min)
Group Research: Historical Events - In small groups, research historical natural disasters in Westside Oahu, focusing on causes and impacts. (60 min)
Daily Reflection and Sharing - Reflect on new learnings and share insights with peers. (30 min)
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GIS Mapping Workshop - Introduction to geographic information systems (GIS) mapping, focusing on creating risk and resource maps for the community. (90 min)
Community Partner Session: Emergency Management - Collaborate with local emergency management agency representatives to understand existing disaster response protocols. (90 min)
Play 'Stop Disasters' Game - Engage with the interactive game to simulate disaster scenarios and test response strategies. (45 min)
Debrief and Reflection - Discuss experiences from the game and relate them to real-world disaster preparedness. (15 min)
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Experiment: Understanding Natural Disasters - Conduct hands-on experiments to explore the science behind hurricanes, tsunamis, and earthquakes. (120 min)
Data Analysis and Interpretation - Analyze data from experiments to predict potential impacts of disasters on the community. (60 min)
Collaborative Safety Plan Brainstorming - Begin brainstorming initial ideas for the community safety plan, incorporating insights from the week's activities. (45 min)
Peer Feedback Session - Share brainstormed ideas with peers for initial feedback and suggestions. (15 min)
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Workshop: Infographic Design - Learn how to design infographics to visually represent safety plan elements and historical disaster data. (60 min)
Group Work: Safety Plan Development - In teams, start developing a draft of the comprehensive safety plan, integrating traditional knowledge and modern strategies. (120 min)
Reflection on Week 1 Progress - Reflect on the week's progress and set goals for the next week. (30 min)
Preparation for Next Week - Outline next steps, assign tasks, and prepare questions for upcoming community partner sessions. (30 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Completed community scavenger hunt documentation with photos and notes.
2. Reflection notes from the Cultural Wisdom Circle, highlighting key traditional practices discussed. 3. Summary of strategies learned from the 'Stop Disasters' game and how they apply to their community. 4. Analysis of weather data and prediction models with insights from the session with the meteorologist. 5. Research summary on historical natural disasters in Westside Oahu, focusing on causes and impacts. |
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| Preparation |
1. Arrange community partnerships with local residents, cultural practitioners, and community elders for the scavenger hunt and Cultural Wisdom Circle.
2. Ensure availability of devices and internet access for playing the 'Stop Disasters' game. 3. Coordinate with a local meteorologist to schedule an interactive session and gather relevant data. 4. Prepare research materials and resources for students to access information on historical natural disasters in Westside Oahu. 5. Organize transportation and permissions for off-site visits if necessary for the scavenger hunt. |
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| Week 2 |
Day 6
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Day 7
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Day 8
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Day 9
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Day 10
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| Activities |
GIS Mapping Introduction - Introduce students to geographic information systems (GIS) mapping, focusing on its application in identifying natural disaster risk areas in Westside Oahu (60 min)
Hands-on GIS Workshop - Students practice using GIS software to map local resources and hazards, enhancing their spatial analysis skills (90 min)
Discussion and Reflection - Facilitate a discussion on the importance of visual data representation in disaster preparedness, encouraging students to reflect on the day's learning (30 min)
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Research Historical Disasters - Students research past natural disaster events in Westside Oahu, analyzing causes and impacts to inform their safety plans (90 min)
Collaborative Analysis Session - In groups, students synthesize their research findings to identify patterns and lessons learned from historical disasters (60 min)
Group Presentation - Groups present their findings to the class, offering insights into how historical data can shape current disaster preparedness strategies (60 min)
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Meteorologists' Workshop - Engage with local meteorologists to learn about weather patterns and prediction models, allowing students to apply this knowledge to local contexts (90 min)
Weather Data Analysis Activity - Analyze current weather data to predict potential natural disaster impacts, integrating scientific understanding with practical application (75 min)
Feedback Session - Students share their predictions and receive feedback from peers and meteorologists, refining their analytical skills (45 min)
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Traditional Knowledge Integration - Host a session with cultural practitioners to explore traditional disaster preparedness practices and their relevance to modern strategies (90 min)
Cultural Wisdom Circle - Facilitate a storytelling session where students learn from community elders about indigenous methods for resilience (60 min)
Reflection and Journaling - Students reflect on the integration of traditional knowledge with their research, documenting insights in their journals (60 min)
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Mock Disaster Scenario Planning - Begin planning a mock disaster scenario to test safety plans, encouraging students to consider practical applications of their learning (60 min)
Scenario Design Workshop - In small groups, students design elements of the mock disaster scenario, focusing on realistic, community-specific challenges (90 min)
Peer Review and Feedback - Conduct a peer review session where groups present their scenario plans and receive constructive feedback from classmates (60 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Develop a draft of a GIS map highlighting areas of risk and resources in Westside Oahu.
2. Create a report summarizing the findings from meteorological data analysis and emergency management workshops, including proposed improvements to existing protocols. 3. Complete an experiment log detailing the procedures and results from simulations of natural disasters. |
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| Preparation |
1. Coordinate with local meteorologists to provide data sets and facilitate interactive sessions.
2. Arrange workshops with emergency management agencies, ensuring access to relevant materials and protocols. 3. Gather materials for conducting experiments, including simulation kits for studying hurricanes, tsunamis, and earthquakes. 4. Provide access to GIS software and training resources to support students in developing mapping skills. 5. Compile historical data and resources on past natural disasters affecting Westside Oahu for student research. |
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| Week 3 |
Day 11
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Day 12
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Day 13
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Day 14
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Day 15
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| Activities |
Community Partner Workshop: Emergency Management Strategies - Collaborate with local emergency management agency representatives to examine existing protocols and brainstorm potential improvements. (90 min)
Safety Plan Revision Session - Revise initial safety plan drafts based on feedback from emergency management workshop, focusing on integrating traditional and modern strategies. (90 min)
Peer Critique of Revised Plans - Share revised safety plans with peers for constructive critique and suggestions. (60 min)
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GIS Mapping Refinement - Enhance GIS maps by incorporating new data and insights from emergency management workshop, focusing on risk areas. (90 min)
Mock Disaster Scenario Planning - Develop scenarios to test safety plans in simulated environments, identifying potential weaknesses. (90 min)
Group Reflection and Debrief - Reflect on the day's activities, discussing learnings and setting goals for further plan refinement. (60 min)
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Mock Disaster Scenario Execution - Implement mock disaster scenarios to test safety plans, observing and documenting results. (120 min)
Analysis and Feedback Session - Analyze scenario outcomes and receive real-time feedback from community partners and peers. (60 min)
Plan Adjustment Workshop - Adjust safety plans based on scenario results and feedback, focusing on actionable improvements. (60 min)
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Infographic Revisions and Enhancements - Refine infographics to better communicate revised safety plan elements and disaster data. (60 min)
Community Partner Engagement: Cultural Practitioners - Reconnect with cultural practitioners to ensure traditional knowledge is accurately represented in safety plans. (90 min)
Collaborative Design Session - Finalize design choices for the safety plan and associated visual products, integrating feedback from all partners. (90 min)
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Preparation for 'Westside Resilience Festival' - Organize and rehearse presentations for upcoming festival, ensuring clarity and cohesiveness. (120 min)
Peer Review and Feedback - Conduct peer reviews of festival presentations, providing feedback for improvement. (60 min)
Reflection on Week 3 Progress - Reflect on accomplishments and challenges faced during the week, setting objectives for final project completion. (60 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. A digital GIS map showcasing areas of risk and resources within Westside Oahu.
2. A revised safety plan incorporating insights from mock disaster scenarios and community feedback. |
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| Preparation |
1. Arrange for meteorologist and emergency management agency sessions.
2. Secure access to GIS mapping software and computers for students. 3. Coordinate with cultural practitioners and community elders for storytelling sessions. 4. Prepare materials for mock disaster scenarios, including scenario scripts and evaluation rubrics. |
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| Week 4 |
Day 16
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Day 17
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Day 18
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Day 19
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Day 20
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| Activities |
Interactive Session: Current Emergency Protocols - Collaborate with local emergency management agency representatives to gain insights into existing disaster response protocols. (90 min)
Workshop: Proposal Development - Facilitate a workshop where students propose improvements or new strategies for disaster response to present to community partners. (90 min)
Peer Review: Proposal Feedback - Conduct a peer review session where students present their proposals and receive constructive feedback from classmates. (60 min)
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Mock Disaster Scenario Planning - Refine the mock disaster scenario based on peer and expert feedback, ensuring it reflects realistic community challenges. (90 min)
Simulation Preparation - Students prepare materials and roles for the upcoming mock disaster scenario day, focusing on teamwork and communication strategies. (90 min)
Role-Playing and Scenario Testing - Engage in role-playing activities to test specific elements of the disaster scenario, adjusting plans as needed. (60 min)
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Mock Disaster Scenario Execution - Conduct the full mock disaster scenario, allowing students to implement and test their safety plans in a simulated environment. (120 min)
Debrief and Reflection - Facilitate a class discussion and reflection session to analyze the strengths and weaknesses identified during the scenario. (60 min)
Plan Revision Workshop - In groups, students revise their safety plans based on feedback from the scenario debrief. (60 min)
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Infographic and Poster Design Session - Students create visual representations of their revised safety plans, focusing on clarity and impact. (90 min)
Peer Critique: Visuals - Host a peer critique session where students present their infographics and posters, receiving feedback to enhance their designs. (60 min)
Gallery Walk Preparation - Prepare for the Safety Plan Art Gallery by finalizing display materials and practicing presentation skills. (90 min)
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Cultural Integration Workshop - Students incorporate traditional knowledge and practices into their final safety plans, reflecting on cultural wisdom and modern strategies. (90 min)
Final Safety Plan Development - Teams finalize their comprehensive safety plans, integrating feedback and ensuring all elements are cohesive. (90 min)
Reflection and Goal Setting - Reflect on the week's progress and set goals for the final week, focusing on the upcoming Westside Resilience Festival exhibition. (60 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Revised safety plans based on the mock disaster scenario feedback.
2. A draft of a multimedia presentation showcasing their safety plan. |
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| Preparation |
1. Set up the logistics for the 'Mock Disaster Scenario,' including space, materials, and roles for participants.
2. Coordinate with community partners to participate in the mock scenario as observers and provide authentic feedback. 3. Prepare a workshop on multimedia presentation skills, including resources and tools for creating videos and graphics. 4. Ensure access to technology and software needed for multimedia presentation development. 5. Develop a feedback form or rubric for the mid-project peer feedback session to guide constructive critiques. |
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| Week 5 |
Day 21
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Day 22
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Day 23
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Day 24
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Day 25
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| Activities |
Final Safety Plan Revisions - Collaborate in teams to make final adjustments to the safety plans based on feedback received from community partners and peers. (90 min)
Infographic and Poster Finalization - Complete and refine infographics and posters to visually communicate the key elements of the safety plans. (60 min)
Rehearsal for Presentations - Practice delivering presentations for the Westside Resilience Festival, focusing on clarity and engagement. (60 min)
Reflection and Goal Setting - Reflect on personal growth and set goals for the final week of project work. (30 min)
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Model Construction and Assembly - Finalize the physical model of Westside Oahu, ensuring all elements of potential disaster impacts are accurately represented. (120 min)
Peer Review of Visual Displays - Conduct a peer review session to receive feedback on visual displays and make necessary improvements. (60 min)
Documentation and Digital Portfolio Completion - Compile all project components into a digital portfolio for presentation and reflection. (60 min)
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Festival Setup and Logistics Planning - Organize logistics and setup for the Westside Resilience Festival, including layout and equipment needs. (60 min)
Rehearsals with Community Partners - Conduct final rehearsal sessions with community partners, incorporating their feedback into presentations. (90 min)
Final Touches and Quality Assurance - Ensure all project elements are polished and ready for display, making any last-minute adjustments. (90 min)
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Westside Resilience Festival - Host and participate in the festival, presenting safety plans through workshops, cultural performances, and interactive sessions. (180 min)
Community Feedback Session - Engage with community members to gather feedback on presentations and safety plans. (60 min)
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Community Showcase and Reflection - Present the final safety plans to community members, reflecting on the learning journey and receiving feedback. (120 min)
Digital Portfolio Sharing - Share digital portfolios with peers and community members, showcasing research, reflections, and project artifacts. (60 min)
Celebration and Acknowledgment - Celebrate the completion of the project with community partners, recognizing contributions and collaboration. (60 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Completed multimedia presentation demonstrating the safety plan.
2. Digital portfolio containing research, reflections, and project artifacts. 3. Exhibition materials for the 'Safety Plan Art Gallery,' including infographics and models. 4. Workshop plans and materials for the 'Westside Resilience Festival.' |
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| Preparation |
1. Gather necessary technology and equipment for creating multimedia presentations.
2. Coordinate logistics for the 'Westside Resilience Festival,' including venue setup and schedule. 3. Ensure availability of materials for creating and displaying infographics and models. 4. Organize and prepare resources for student-led workshops, including any required handouts or demonstration tools. 5. Prepare reflection prompts and digital tools for compiling portfolios. |
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