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CONVERSEMOS (1 de 2):
¿De dónde viene el agua de un huracán?
CONVERSEMOS (2 de 2):
¿Por qué llueve tanto cuando hay un huracán?
CONVERSEMOS:
¿Por qué crees que ciertas áreas de Nueva Orleáns se inundaron pero otras no?
In this lesson, students examine the causes of flooding using the real-world example of Hurricane Katrina. In the activity, Save Beachtown, students propose plans to prevent flooding and save historic buildings in a coastal town–all while staying within budget!
Preview activityBeachtown Budget worksheet | 1 per student |
Beachtown Engineers printout | 1 per group |
Beachtown Final Plan worksheet | 1 per group |
Colored Pencils
Each student needs one red and one blue. If you don’t have enough, you can substitute similar colors.
Crayons or Markers will also work.
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Details
2 pencils per student
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Scissors
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1 pair per student |
Glue Dots
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6 dots per student |
We suggest students work in groups of four. Homeschool students can do the activity on their own, but we think it’s more fun with a few friends.
This simulation is very engaging and may take more than 20 minutes for students to complete. Consider dividing this lesson into two class periods. We’ve provided challenge questions in the Extensions for those who want to extend the activity.
Each student will need 6-7 glue dots. You may want to prep this prior to class to make distribution easier.
At the start of the activity, students will need the Beachtown Engineers printout, scissors, and colored pencils. They will later need the Beachtown Budget, Final Plan, and some sticky glue dots. You may want to separate these supplies into two piles for easier classroom distribution.
You may want students to post their work so that each group can see the similarities and differences in the engineering solutions. If you decide to do this, you’ll need wall space and supplies (tape or push pins) to display The Final Plan of each group.
Student slideshow: English | Spanish
Teacher printout: English & Spanish
In this reading, students learn about droughts: what they are, why they happen, and how we can protect environments from them.
Tell your students that the people of Beachtown had a meeting to discuss the proposals your class came up with. Ask your students how they would answer these questions or address these issues. Remember: There are no right answers and it may be difficult to make everyone happy.
This time-lapse movie shows a satellite view of the 2012 hurricane season — from June 1 to November 29 — in less than 5 minutes. The excitement starts with hurricane Chris at 0:22, followed by Debbie at 0:30, Ernesto at 1:27, and more.
As you watch, try to answer these questions:
Which way does each hurricane spin? Do they all spin the same way?
If you were worried about hurricanes, where wouldn't you want to live?
What do you notice about the names for hurricanes?
What happens to Sandy (a superstorm) after it moves onto the land?
You’ll find more satellite views of hurricanes here.
You can elaborate student learning and engagement with Mystery Science mini-lessons.
If you are in an NGSS state, this mini-lesson supports the DCI ESS2.A: Earth Materials and Systems
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