Over the next several weeks, your group will be researching, writing an informational research paper and designing a Photostory presentation based on one specific catastrophic event. Below you will find a list of possible topics to explore. Groups may not choose the same topic. Use the rubric as a guideline for writing your paper and designing the Photostory.

Catastrophic Events Anchor Activity Guidelines

1. Your group will choose a place in the world that has a history with a specific catastrophic event. Once you have chosen your topic, have it approved and initialed.____

2. Your group will divide into the different roles listed below. Each group member must completely answer the questions for their role.

EACH IS A LINK

Roles:

Historian - will research the area and previous disasters that have occurred there.

• What is your role and why is it important at S.O.S?

• What type of catastrophic event are you researching? What causes it?

• Where and how does the catastrophic event occur?

• What previous disasters, if any, have occurred?

Geologist or Meteorologist - will research aftermath of the previous event highlighting impacts on people, property damage, habitat destruction for plants and animals, disruptions in transportation, evacuation success and economic impact.

• What is your role and why is it important at S.O.S?

• What type of catastrophic event are you researching? What causes it?

• What happens during the event to affect/impact human lives?

• What physical damage and environmental effects result from the event?

Member of the American Red Cross - will focus on previous rescue and relief efforts, how to prepare an emergency kit and information that can improve future rescue and relief efforts.

• What is your role and why is it important at S.O.S?

• What type of catastrophic event are you researching? What causes it?

• How did people respond to the event and what previous rescue and relief efforts, if any, have been used?

• List the steps for people to take to save their families and protect their belongings in the event of another catastrophic event.

Engineer/Architect - will make recommendations on how risk can be reduced for the residents of this city in the future based on new building designs, altering existing structures in the area or moving to another location and what new technology can be used to stay safe during a similar catastrophic event.

• What is your role and why is it important at S.O.S?

• What type of catastrophic event are you researching? What causes it?

• How can technology be used to help reduce future risks?

• What building recommendations do you make to the people of the city that will mitigate risk and prepare the city for similar events?

3. You will do some background research about your catastrophic event to get some ideas about the scope of this event and why it occurs. Refer to the Useful Websites list attached to get started in this process. Remember that our library has many fabulous books for your use. Ask the librarian for help locating sources.

4. You will each write a five paragraph informational essay based on what you have learned about your topic. This essay will be written from the perspective of the role you have chosen and will be written for the people of the city in which your catastrophic event has occurred. Use the attached graphic organizer to help you organize the topics of the paragraphs as well as help you write complete paragraphs. The essay must have an introduction, conclusion and a bibliography. Each question should be answered completely and used as a topic sentence for a paragraph.

Essay Format for each Role:

• 1st paragraph – Introduction -What type of catastrophic event are you researching? What causes it?

• 2nd paragraph - Why is your role at S.O.S important? What are your responsibilities?

• 3rd paragraph - Answer your first question completely – topic sentence and at least 3 supporting sentences.

• 4th paragraph - Answer your second question completely – topic sentence and at least 3 supporting sentences.

• 5th paragraph - Conclusion - A few sentences that discuss what you have learned and why it is important.

• Bibliography - At least five sources/articles where you found your information.

Must be in MLA format.

Photostory Requirements:

Each of the five-paragraph essays from your group will be combined together into a ten minute Photostory using Photostory 3. The Photostory presentation sums up your groups’ findings and is the final presentation of your plan to share with the townspeople (your classmates). After the presentation, each group member should be prepared to field questions. To complete the photostory, your group will need to follow the photostory rubric and the follow the checklist below.

• Completed Photo story includes a catchy title, research topic and your names.

• Planning page (how you put it all together, who was each role…)

• Map of the location of your research area - along with a relevant caption.

• At least ten relevant and interesting pictures incorporated.

• Narration to answer your roles’ questions throughout the Photostory.

• Your topic question

• Sounds, music and voice narration

• Page transitions

• Bibliography of sources - Group members should compile all of their individual sources into a bibliography that will be included at the end of the essay. Please use MLA format.

• At least 3 - 5 minutes in length

• Anything “extra” that adds to your presentation.