Mr. G's Disaster WebQuest

Introduction

Image result for titanic

     Welcome! We have read and seen much about the causes and effects of the sinking of the Titanic. As we complete our unit on Dealing With Disasters, we will explore the different causes of other disasters, both man-made and those caused by natural phenomena. Many of these disasters can strike at any time, with little to no warning. While disasters can be unpredictable, there are many ways people can prepare for the dangers they bring. In other cases, changes are made that help protect future people from suffering the same fate as those involved in the disaster. This preparedness and these changes can be the difference in whether or not someone survives! 

Task

     

     Many disasters have struck throughout time. Some, like the Titanic, could have been prevented, or at least could have had the resulting casualties mitigated through various changes in policy and planning. So, a committee has been formed to review past disasters, learn their causes and the resulting effects, as well as ways of prevention in the future. 

      This is where you all come in! Your job is to create an informational poster, slideshow, etc. that will highlight a form of natural disaster. Your group will include the following in your poster:

  • A historical account of the event
  • An article describing the causes of the disaster
  • The main effects of the event: give specific effects, both positive and negative
  • If there are four people in your group: Why is this event historically significant?
  • An eye-catching and captivating title/title page
  • At least three images 
  • All group member names

     

Process

Part 1: Break Up The Tasks!

Decide who will do each part:

  • Historical account
  • Causes
  • Effects
  • If there are four people in your group: Why is this event historically significant?

Part 2: Research Your Topic

Use the sites below to help find out necessary information for your topic. Some questions to consider as you research:

 

  • History - Why is the event you picked important/ memorable? Make sure to include location, time period, important information, etc.

  • Description of Causes - this should include both the causes of the event itself, as well as any other causes that could have contributed to extra damage/casualties. 

  • Description of Effects - what are both the positive and negative outcomes that may have come from this event. The negative effects would be a description of the damage to land and property, while positive effects may include changes to rules and policies or new techniques to help curb the negative effects of future disasters. 

  • Historical significance: why does this event stand out in history? Why is it still discussed and analyzed?

 

General Links For Precaution and Prevention

Earthquake:

 

Tornado:

 

 

Hurricane:

 

Volcanic Eruption:

 

 

 

Tsunami:

Pearl Harbor

9/11

Great Molasses Flood

Chernobyl

Bermuda Triangle

Smog of '52

Black Plague

Holocaust

Great Chicago Fire

Part 3: Complete Your Portion of The Project

  • Turn your notes into a written description
    • five paragraphs
  • Put your section into final draft form
  • Check for non-negotiables
    • proper spelling and punctuation

Part 4: Put Final Product Together

  • Include everyone's final draft
  • Title/Title page that draws attention (bold, colorful)
  • At least three images/pictures
  • All group member names

Evaluation

Criteria For Success

 

Criteria Points Possible Points Earned
Title/title page is bold and attention grabbing 10  
All names are on front of poster 5  
Description of historical event(s) is accurate and detailed (individual) 10  
Description of causes is accurate and detailed (individual) 10  
Description of effects is accurate and detailed (individual) 10  
Description of historical significance is accurate and detailed (ind) 10  
At least three related images and captions are

included		 9  
Poster/slide show is set up in an organized manner 10  
Overall project is informative and meets the task laid out 6  
Total 50