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Materials included in the Catastrophic Events Unit Kit |
STC/MS™
UnitsCatastrophic Events
ISBN 0-89278-886-0
Subject:
Earth’s naturally occurring catastrophic
events
Students use a globe to assess
geologic and atmospheric patterns on Earth that are related to
storms, earthquakes, volcanoes, and other catastrophic events. The
unit is divided into 3 parts that build on this activity.
In the first part, Storms, students
investigate the causes and effects of thunderstorms, tornadoes, and
hurricanes. They also analyze methods of monitoring and forecasting
these events. Concepts include local and global heating, convection,
the water cycle and cloud formation, air pressure, and the analysis
of weather maps. The first part ends with students investigating
ocean currents and their effect on global weather patterns.
The second part, Earthquakes, focuses
on wave motion, earthquake data, and the factors that cause
earthquakes. Plate motion and the structure of Earth are introduced
in the context of plate tectonics. Students design and build model
structures that can reduce the risks associated with earthquakes.
In the third part, Volcanoes,
students simulate the movement of magma and lava and its effects on
land formation. They investigate viscosity and crystallization and
examine igneous rocks and volcanic ash. The section concludes with
an investigation of the effects of ashfall on the atmosphere and
surrounding landscape.
Each part of the unit begins with
an assessment of students’ current understanding of the topic and
ends with performance-based and written assessments. The activity,
Comparing Catastrophic Events, and the culminating Anchor Activity
(a research project) on the risks associated with natural hazards
integrate the concepts of the unit. Unit length: 8-12 weeks of
instruction.
Video download:
Catastrophic Events
(Real
Video™ or
QuickTime™)
Download an outline of the conceptual
sequence for
Catastrophic Events.
(PDF
Download)
Kit Configuration
Catastrophic Events Unit Kit equips one class of 32 students
and includes:
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Basic equipment (items that can be shared by
more than one class of students if the unit is
taught to multiple classes)
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1 |
Material Set (items that cannot be shared
by more than one class) |
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1 |
Refurbishment Set (items used up during
instruction) |
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1 |
Teacher’s Guide |
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16 |
Student Guides (nonconsumable)
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Price information
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