Lesson 9: Natural Disasters Inquiry Task – Introduction

 Lesson Plan

Tuning In

• Review the content of the unit so far. Ask the students:
  • What are natural disasters?
  • What causes natural disasters?
  • What are some common effects of natural disasters?

Teacher Instruction

• Provide the students with a copy of the Natural Disasters Inquiry Task. Read through the task step-by-step and answer any questions the students may have.
• As a class, conduct some internet research into major natural disaster events of the 20th and 21st centuries. Record these as a mind map on the board.
• Discuss the possible sources the students could use to gather information e.g. books, websites. Remind the students to use reliable sources and, where possible, those that have been designed specifically for children.

Guided/Independent Learning

• Give the students some time to think about possible natural disaster events to research. Encourage them to list five possibilities before making a decision. If necessary, ask the students to have their choice approved before continuing.

Wrapping Up

• Encourage the students to share their choices for the inquiry task with the class.

 Differentiation

Extending Students

• Encourage more capable students to follow their personal interests when selecting a natural disaster event to research.

Supporting Students

• Steer less confident students towards natural disaster events that are likely to prove easier to research.

 Assessment Strategies

Suggested Assessment Strategies

• used strategic whole class or individual questioning
• observed student participation during learning activities
• recorded student progress on a checklist
• annotated student work samples
• collected and reviewed student work samples
• facilitated whole class or peer feedback sessions
• encouraged student self-reflection
• administered formal assessment tasks.

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