Introduction

The Earth can be a wild place to live. Natural disasters can happen because of conditions in our environment. Tornadoes, hurricanes, blizzards, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and tsunamis can happen suddenly and without warning and can cause harm and injury to people and their possessions. When people are prepared for these disasters, they have a better chance to survive them. To be prepared and survive a natural disaster, you must know what happens during that disaster, what precautions you need to take before the disaster to survive, what to do during the disaster, and what the aftermath of the disaster will be.

• The characteristics of the natural disaster; are there different classifications?
• What causes this disaster - what conditions need to exist to have this happen
• Four statistics or facts related to the disaster
• At least 5 safety tips for being prepared before, during, and after the disaster
• 3 pictures of the disaster at each stage (try this site: Classroom Clipart < http://classroomclipart.com/ >
• Information about a famous natural disaster
• At least 3 web links that give more information about the natural disaster

You will then present your information in the form of either a PowerPoint presentation, an informative brochure or a videotaped public service announcement.

1. After choosing the natural disaster that you want to research, you and your partner will need to read for background information. You may want to read an encyclopedia article to understand some of the terms associated with your disaster.
2. When you are familiar with your disaster, read some of the sources on your project page below. As you read you should be taking notes on the information that you will be including in your project.
3. When you have gathered all your information, you will need to create a plan for your project. This will be like a rough draft.
   • For a PowerPoint presentation you will need to plan what is on each slide and how it will be arranged. Once the slides are planned, you will be able to work on the computer. After you have checked that all the information is included on the slides you can become creative with transitions and sounds.
   • For a brochure, you will need to plan what will be in each of the six sections of the tri-fold. Once the brochure is planned, you will be able to work on the computer. After you have checked that all the information is included, you may become creative with borders, word art, etc.
   • For a public service announcement, you will need to write a script and assemble all of your props. You will then rehearse your announcement. Once it is rehearsed, you can shoot the video and edit it with an editing program.
   Choose your natural disaster from the following:

Volcanic Eruption