Natural+Disaster+Project

They have the power to shake the planet. They helped form the earth beneath our feet. They can bring both blessings and devastation. No human can control them. No one can fully comprehend their awesome majesty. No year since the beginning of time has the earth failed to witness their coming. Natural disasters can happen at any time or place. They can bring sorrow, but they can also teach important lessons about who we are and what is important to us.
 * // Natural Disasters Project //**

The Earth's shifting tectonic plates, that slip, slide and collide with each other, can cause geological events such as: earthquakes, volcanoes and tsunamis.

Tsunamis are triggered by underwater earthquakes or landslides and travel at rapid speed across the ocean. The 2011 tsunami that devastated areas of Japan is estimated to have travelled across the Pacific Ocean at a speed comparable to a jet liner.

Climatic conditions can combine to bring about natural disasters, such as landslides and floods as a result of tropical storms, or hurricanes. Other climatic conditions can bring about tornadoes.

Severe drought, high temperatures and hot winds can leave areas at high risk of bushfires.


 * __What to do__**:

Research and tell the story of a famous natural disaster.

You may work with one partner or alone.

You will select, at random, a natural disaster.

Your project will be in the form of a **//__Photo Story or Movie Maker__//** presentation. The project must include **images, text, narration and music.**

Describe **in detail** the scientific explanation of the type of natural disaster you are researching. For example, if you are researching a volcanic eruption, you must explain what a volcanic eruption is, and how it happens.
 * __Essential Requirements of the Project:__**


 * Include ** images, simulations, or diagrams that demonstrate how the natural disaster occurs.


 * Tell **where and when the disaster occurred.


 * Explain ** the main causes of the natural disaster you have studied.


 * Tell ** what kind of damage the natural disaster caused.


 * Discuss ** the main effects of the natural disaster you have researched.


 * Tell ** if the type of natural disaster you are researching can be predicted? Is so, how? If not, why?


 * Tell ** if the specific natural disaster that you have researched could have been predicted? Were there warnings?


 * The following links may be helpful.**


 * __BBC: Natural Disasters__ **
 * __Disasters.com__ **
 * __Earth Observatory: Natural Hazards__ **** _ **
 * _ ESA Kids Earth__ **
 * __Forces of Nature__ **
 * __Hurricane and Natural Disaster Brochure__ **
 * __KidsClick: Natural Disasters__ **
 * __National Weather Service__ **
 * __Natural Disasters: Destructive Forces of Nature__ **
 * __National Geographic: Natural Disasters__ **
 * __USA Today: Natural__ **
 * __Disaster Safety Tips__ **
 * __Wikipedia: Natural Disasters__ **
 * Click here for marking rubric: [[file:Natural Disaster Photostory Rubric 2013.doc]] **