Thinking About Catastrophic Events

1
Lesson 1

• Thinking About Catastrophic Events

2
Objectives

• Compare a globe to a map
• Focus on Earths physical surface features and
  atmospheric characteristics using a globe and
  map.
• Record where catastrophic events occur on the
  earth by making a written list of their locations
  and identifying them on a map.
• Describe why these catastrophic events occur
  where they do.

3
Lesson 1 Vocabulary

• Catastrophic event-are powerful and often
  dramatic forces that can profoundly affect our
  planet and the living things that inhabit it
  (hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes)
• Map-a representation of the Earth on a flat
  surface
• Globe-spherical representation of the Earth
• Sphere-a round shape

4
Class Discussion

• Discuss with the class what you consider to be a
  catastrophic event. What natural events on the
  earth would you consider to be catastrophic?
• In your Science notebook, create a concept map
  like the one I have shown you. Individually, fill
  out your concept map listing all types of
  catastrophic events.

5
Create Your Own Concept Map

• A concept map is a type of graphic organizer.
• The center of your concept map should say
  catastrophic events.
• Brainstorm with your group, all of the different
  catastrophic events you can think of.
• Record your answers on your groups map.

6
Using a Globe and a World Map

• Images of Earth
• During the lessons in Catastrophic Events, you
  will use a globe, together with a map of the
  world, to make and record some of your
  observations or the earth and its catastrophic
  events. A globe is a spherical model of the
  earth. A map shows the earth or parts of it,
  usually on a flat surface.
• Photographs such as the one below, taken from the
  spaceship Apollo 17, show how the earth looks
  from outer space. Look closely at the image. You
  can see the earth and some of its seven
  continents. Vast ocean surround the continents.
  Clouds, which usually cover about 50 percent of
  the earths surface, swirl above them.
• How did the continents form? Why do we have
  mountains and seas? Why did clouds swirl in the
  atmosphere? Answers to questions like these will
  help you understand the causes of earthquakes,
  volcanoes, and storms on our active planet.

7
Compare and Contrast

• You will be given an inflatable globe. Look at it
  carefully. Discuss your general observations with
  your group. How is the globe different from the
  Apollo image of the Earth?

8
Science Notebook

• Answer these questions in your Science notebook
• A. Is there any evidence on the globe that
  the earths surfaces are active?
• B. How might you use this globe to learn more
  about the catastrophic events you discussed
  earlier?
• C. How might photographs of the earth take
  from space help scientists predict or monitor
  catastrophic events?

9
Catastrophic Events World Map

• Discuss with your group how it is like the globe.
  
• How is it different?
• How is the scale (or size of the objects in
  relation to the real thing) on the globe
  different from the scale on the map?

10
Group Assignment

• 1. Get 1 set each of 21 colored dots from your
  teacher (1 set of orange, green, blue,yellow,
  red)
• 2. Use the dots to record on your map where
  you think major catastrophic events might occur
  most frequently.
• Use the key below
• Tornado orange Hurricane green
• Earthquake blue Volcano red
• Other Yellow
• 3. Share with the class the data your group
  recorded on the map.

11
Reflecting on What We Have Done So Far

• 1. Answer the following questions
• A. Are any of the catastrophic events that you
  listed in your notebook or recorded on your world
  map related to each other in any way. If so, how?
• B. Do any of these events help change the way the
  Earth looks over time? If so, which ones? Why do
  you think this?

12
Reflecting on What You Have Done So Far

• C. What information do you think can be learned
  about the earth by studying catastrophic events?
• D. How do you think catastrophic events affect
  people?
• E. How might scientists predict these events?

13
READ

• Read How Scientists Study the Earth
• Answer these questions
• 1. What do you call someone who studies the
  earths atmosphere?
• 2. Tell the name of the instrument that measures
  the following
• a. measures temperature
• b. measures wind speed and direction
• 3. What do you call people who study earthquakes?
• 4. What do you call someone who studies
  volcanoes?

14
Read Views From Space

• After reading Views From Space, write down
  5 facts that you have learned from reading this.