1. Kristen Box, Felicia Mack, & Rachel McIntosh
Natural Disasters
Integrated Theme Unit By
Kristen Box, Felicia Mack, & Rachel McIntosh

2. Unit Summary
The objective of this thematic unit is to cover a variety of topics related to natural disasters . This is very relevant in our society today because we have all been affected by the earthquake in Haiti and subsequence earthquakes around the world. Also , in the area of the country where we live we are in danger of hurricanes, storms, and flooding.
In science the focus will be on emergency plans and identifying different natural disasters. We will discuss earthquakes and how they happen. The students will make emergency plans for their own families. We will discuss the earthquake in Haiti and other natural disasters the students have been through.
In language arts the children will think creatively and write Haiku poems based on vocabulary words and concepts they learn about natural disasters. The poems will explore their feelings on different natural disasters. Using technology, the students will prepare and present to the class power points on natural disasters.
In math the students will do a variety of exercises concerning earthquakes. Researching data from earthquakes from the last five years the students will graph the results of their findings. The students will also compare earthquakes and use different graphs such as line graphs and bar graphs to analyze the results.

3. MAJOR CONCEPTS Natural Disasters Language Arts Math
Make a graph of an earthquake using data of date and size.
Write a Haiku poem about natural disasters.
Math
Identify vocabulary related to natural disasters and earthquakes.
Compare two earthquakes by using a bar graph and a line graph.
Natural Disasters
Identify vocabulary related to natural disasters and earthquakes.
Create a scale using positive and negative numbers to access the damage of an earthquake.
Identify emergency plans and procedures for natural disasters.
What is an earthquake?
Science
Identify natural disasters.
Design a family preparedness plan.

4. Learning Goals Science
To show earthquakes and explain what causes them and explain different fault types
To identify different natural disasters
To identify and prepare emergency preparedness plans
Language Arts
To have students write Haiku poems
Create a Power Point and present it to the class
To learn vocabulary associated with natural disasters
Math
To create a scale from historical numerical data on earthquakes in the past five years
To create a scale to assess the damage of earthquakes
Using a bar graph to compare two earthquakes

5. Student Learning Outcomes
SCIENCE
1. Identify an emergency plan and a procedure for severe weather and natural disasters with 80% accuracy.
2. Design and plan a family preparedness plan for their family using a rubric with 80% accuracy.
3. Create a poster identifying different natural disasters using a rubric with 80% accuracy.
4. Identify What causes earthquakes with 80% accuracy.
LANGUAGE ARTS
Given an example of a Haiku, students will write their own Haiku poem about natural disasters with 90% accuracy.
2. Given an introduction on Power Point, students will work collaboratively to present their natural disaster to the class. Students will be assessed by a rubric with 80% accuracy.
3. Given a word list, student will be able to define vocabulary words with 90% accuracy.

6. Student Learning Outcomes Continued…
MATH
1. Based on the historical numeric data given where all earthquakes from the last five years are listed by date and size, graphically depict this information, then describe what your graphic results show. (i.e.: is there any pattern the size of the earthquakes? do they happen with any predictability? what can you interpret from your line graph?) 2. Create a scale using both positive and negative numbers that can be used to assess the damage of each earthquake. Attach a number value to the most recent earthquake in Haiti and explain why you chose that value. This value should be consistent with the scale you create. 3. Compare two earthquakes visually using a bar graph to visually represent your comparison. Use the Richter scale ratings as your data points. Using the same two earthquakes you have chosen to represent in your bar graph, assign number values from the scale you created in problem two and create a line graph that visually depicts that damage number assigned to each earthquake.

7. Sunshine State Standards
Science State Standards: 1. SC.5.E.7.In.g: Identify emergency plans and procedures for severe weather. 2. SC.5.E.7.7: Design a family preparedness plan for natural disasters and identify reasons for having such a plan. 3. SC.5.E.7.pa.d: Recognize examples of severe weather. 4. SC.5.P.10.2: Investigate and explain that energy has the ability to cause motion or create change. Language Arts State Standards: 1. LA : The student will use new vocabulary that is introduced and taught directly. 2. LA :The student will listen and speak to gain and share information for a variety of purposes. 3. LA : The student will prepare writing using technology in a format appropriate to audience and purpose.
Math State Standards: 1. MA.5.A.4.2: Construct and describe a graph showing continuous data, such as a graph of a quantity that changes over time. 2. MA.5.A.6.3: Describe real-world situations using positive and negative numbers. 3. MA.5.S.7.1: Construct and analyze line graphs and double bar graphs.

8. Daily Schedule 7:30 Morning Work 7:50 Reading Block 9:20 Restroom
9:30 Language Arts/Spelling
10:30 Wash hands for lunch
10:36 Lunch
11:01 Restroom
11:15 Recess
11:30 Math 12:30 Science/Soc. Studies 1:30 Restroom/ Snack 1:50 Pack up 2:00 Dismissal

9. Weekly Schedule Language Arts
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Review Vocabulary on natural disasters
Think-Pair-Write-Share
work
Create Word Wall with vocabulary words
Define words and use them in a cloze worksheet
Make study flash vocabulary cards
Vocabulary quiz
Read book on haikus. Introduce vocabulary on haikus.
Read book on haikus. Introduce pattern and guided practice.
Read book on haikus. Create haikus.
Revise and Proofread haikus
Revise/Proofread haikus. Publish haikus.
Introduce Power Points
Create rough draft of Power Point slide
Revise and Proofread Power Point slides.
Type PowerPoint slides.
Presentations

10. Weekly Schedule Math

11. Weekly Schedule Science

12. MEDIA LIST Computers with internet access Power Point VCR/TV
DVD player
Overhead projector
Videos
Books
Laptops/Projector
Smart Board
Document Camera
Safari Montage (website with access to numerous video clips)

13. Lesson Plans Language Arts: Natural Disaster Haiku Poems
Students will be provided samples of haikus. The students will be introduced to the definition and pattern of a haiku. Students will be given a haiku pattern for reference. Students will develop natural disaster haikus.
Students will view a tutorial on how to develop a PowerPoint. Students will discuss what criterion makes up a successful PowerPoint. Students will learn the criterion that needs to be included on their slide. Students will create a slide featuring their haiku poem on natural disasters.

14. Lesson Plans Continued
Math:

15. Lesson Plans Continued
Science:

16. Culminating Activities
“Fifth Grade Presents: Natural Disasters” Present at a Family Fun Night or PTA Night
Students can host a Poetry Night to feature Haikus.
Students can present Science Fair Projects.
Students can show families how to measure an Earthquake.
Students can help raise donations for an organization like Red Cross for the children in Haiti.

17. Assessments
Richter scale graphs Create a scale using positive and negative numbers Graph illustrating date and size of earthquake Design a family preparedness plan
Short answer test
Illustrate a poster
Multiple choice test identifying causes of natural disasters Power point Presentation Writing Haiku poems Vocabulary quiz Think-Pair-Write-Share

18. References
Books:
I Know What to Do: A Kids Guide to Natural Disasters, by Bonnie Mark
Dogku by Andrews Clement
Writing and Enjoying Haiku: A Hands-On Guide (2003) by William J. Higginson
Earthquakes: Poems from the Ground up by Lisa Westberg
Language Arts Handbook: SRA Imagine It. (2008). Columbus, OH:Mc Graw-Hill.
Moger, S.(2006). A Poem for Every Day!: An Anthology of 180 Poems With Activities to Enhance Your Teaching(pp.60-75). New York: Scholastic

19. References Continued Websites: www.edhelper.com
Geology labs - virtual earthquake simulation:
National Earthquake Information Center:
FEMA for kids:Earthquakes - The Modified Mercalli Scale & The Richter Scale:
Every Place has its Faults -
Plot current earthquake data -

20. References Continued Video: Earthquakes, www.nationalgeographic.com
Haiti in Ruins After Huge Earthquake,
On Haiti's Earthquake: A Site for Teachers and Students.
The Disaster Spot,
Video:
The Day the Earth shook, a NOVA broadcast, January 16, 1996
Nature's Fury -Culver City, CA Columbia Tristar 1996