Begin with a captivating story or image of a hurricane to engage students' curiosity. Discuss what they already know about hurricanes and their experiences with severe weather.
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Hurricanes
Learning Objectives
- Understand what a hurricane is and how it forms over the ocean.
- Identify the effects of hurricanes, including strong winds, heavy rain, and storm surges.
- Recognize how hurricanes can cause floods and impact coastal areas.
- Describe how hurricanes can cause damage to buildings, homes, and natural landscapes.
- Explain how hurricanes are natural events that contribute to Earth's changing processes.
Introduction and Hook
Direct Instruction
Explain the formation of hurricanes using the video 'How Hurricanes Form'. This video illustrates the role of warm ocean waters and atmospheric conditions in hurricane development, aiding students' understanding of the process.
Discuss the characteristics and dangers of severe weather, including hurricanes, using the 'Severe Weather' video. This resource helps students grasp the impacts of hurricanes on the environment and human structures.
Guided Exploration
Facilitate a discussion on the effects of hurricanes, such as strong winds, heavy rain, and storm surges. Encourage students to share their thoughts on how these elements impact coastal areas.
Use maps and diagrams to show how hurricanes can cause floods and change the shape of coastlines. This visual aid will help students visualize the geographical impact of hurricanes.
Hands-On Activity
Conduct a simulation of a hurricane's impact using water, sand, and small objects to represent buildings. This activity helps students understand the physical effects of hurricanes on landscapes.
Independent Practice
Assign students to research a recent hurricane and present its effects on a specific region. This task encourages independent learning and application of knowledge.
Check for Understanding
Use the 'Rapid Changes to the Earth’s Surface' assessment to evaluate students' understanding of how hurricanes and other natural events alter the Earth's surface.
Review and Reflection
Have students reflect on how hurricanes are part of Earth's natural processes and discuss their role in changing landscapes over time.
Assessment and Extension
Administer the 'Review – Earth Processes' assessment to test students' comprehension of hurricanes and other earth processes. This assessment encourages critical thinking and application of knowledge.
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