Essay and Map evaluating where is the riskiest place to live in the USA?
Assessment
Task 1: Produce a ‘Natural Hazard Risk Map’ by combining your tornado, hurricane and tectonic hazard and wildfire maps to produce a map layer called ‘Where is the riskiest place to live in the USA?
Your map should be produced on a base map and make use of at least one overlay. An effort should be made to incorporate your knowledge of the human environment of the USA (i.e. population density).
Success criteria for map:
Task 2: Essay: Where is the riskiest place to live in the USA?
Introduction:What is a natural hazard? What is the difference between a hazard and a disaster? Why would the risk of a natural hazard influence where you would choose to live?
Paragraph 1: Hurricanes. Things to include…Where do hurricanes happen (population density and scale of disaster)? What are the effects of hurricanes? Can hurricanes be predicted? How can hurricanes be managed?
Paragraph 2: TornadoesThings to include…Where do tornadoes happen (population density and scale of disaster)? What are the effects of tornadoes? Can tornadoes be predicted? How can tornadoes be managed?
Paragraph 3: Earthquakes Things to include…Where do earthquakes happen (population density and scale of disaster)? What are the effects of earthquakes? Can earthquakes be predicted? How can earthquakes be managed?
Extension Paragraph 4: Wildfires Things to include…Where do wildfires happen (population density and scale of disaster)? What are the effects of wildfires? Can be predicted? How can earthquakes be managed?
Conclusion: Weigh up the risk factors and come to an overall conclusion which answers the question: ‘Where is the riskiest place to live in the USA?’
Success criteria for essay:
Your map should be produced on a base map and make use of at least one overlay. An effort should be made to incorporate your knowledge of the human environment of the USA (i.e. population density).
Success criteria for map:
- Include at least one layer
- Include a clear title
- Include a key
- Include detailed annotations that explainthe risk of different hazards in different locations
Task 2: Essay: Where is the riskiest place to live in the USA?
Introduction:What is a natural hazard? What is the difference between a hazard and a disaster? Why would the risk of a natural hazard influence where you would choose to live?
Paragraph 1: Hurricanes. Things to include…Where do hurricanes happen (population density and scale of disaster)? What are the effects of hurricanes? Can hurricanes be predicted? How can hurricanes be managed?
Paragraph 2: TornadoesThings to include…Where do tornadoes happen (population density and scale of disaster)? What are the effects of tornadoes? Can tornadoes be predicted? How can tornadoes be managed?
Paragraph 3: Earthquakes Things to include…Where do earthquakes happen (population density and scale of disaster)? What are the effects of earthquakes? Can earthquakes be predicted? How can earthquakes be managed?
Extension Paragraph 4: Wildfires Things to include…Where do wildfires happen (population density and scale of disaster)? What are the effects of wildfires? Can be predicted? How can earthquakes be managed?
Conclusion: Weigh up the risk factors and come to an overall conclusion which answers the question: ‘Where is the riskiest place to live in the USA?’
Success criteria for essay:
- Include specific case study detail for each hazard
- Include annotated photos to explain the effects and/ or management
- Try and include all of the risk factors covered- population density, size of area impacted, predictability, management, effects of disaster etc.
- Include a copy of your risk factors diagram- this could be annotated
- Include well-structured paragraphs
- Evaluation- are there factors that are making the risks worse or changing the risk (such as climate change)?
- Refer to the map you have presented
How will you be assessed?
How will you be assessed?
•Knowledge:To be able to describe and explain the major natural hazards of the United States of America
•Skills: To be able to link the various natural hazards of the USA to produce a ‘risk map’ showing ‘where would it not be a good idea to live in the USA?’
Level 4:
•Knowledge:To be able to describe and explain the major natural hazards of the United States of America
•Skills: To be able to link the various natural hazards of the USA to produce a ‘risk map’ showing ‘where would it not be a good idea to live in the USA?’
Level 4:
- Terminology is mostly accurate. Examples used are mostly relevant, and usually show understanding. Basic descriptions that may need more detail.
- The student selects and uses mostly relevant information. The student demonstrates basic investigative skills.
- Attempts to structure and sequence the work but is not always successful. Presentation and expression are occasionally unclear.
- Terminology is used accurately and appropriately. Relevant examples are used to show understanding. Accurate descriptions.
- The student selects and uses relevant information. The student demonstrates adequate investigative skills.
- Uses a structure appropriate to the task and sequences the content logically. Presentation and expression are clear; attention is paid to the audience and purpose in terms of appropriate language, style and visual representation.
- Range of terminology. A range of relevant examples are used to show understanding. The student provides accurate and detailed descriptions.
- The student selects and uses a range of relevant information. The student demonstrates effective investigative skills
- Organizes information into a well-developed and logical sequence. Presentation and expression are clear, concise and effective, and the language, style and visual representation used are always appropriate to the audience and purpose.
- Excellent command of a wide range of terminology, and uses it appropriately. An extensive range of relevant examples shows understanding. Descriptions are accurate and detailed.
- The student selects and uses a wide range of relevant information. The student demonstrates sophisticated investigative skills.
| usa_hazards_assessment.docx |
Extracts of model work:
Example 1:
California is, furthermore, at risk of volcanoes. California is located in the ring of Fire the . The Ring of Fire is a major area in the basin of the Pacific Ocean where numerous earthquakes and volcanic eruptions frequently occur. An average of 60% of all volcanoes occur in the boundaries between tectonic plates. Volcanoes are less frequent than other natural disasters however states are still at risk. A shield volcano is a type of volcano usually built almost entirely of fluid lava flows. They have very gentle slopes, another volcano is the composite volcano, it is formed over hundreds of thousands of years through multiple eruptions. Layers be form lava, while others might be ash, rock and pyroclastic flows. There are two main volcano warning systems - color codes, and alert levels. Warning systems are specific for each volcano. It is impossible to predict the date of an eruption, however, volcano warning systems are based on a probability of an eruption or hazard. Local authorities will give you information on how to prepare for a volcanic eruption, and if necessary, on how to evacuate (leave the area) or take shelter where you are. There is no preparation prior to volcanic eruptions as a result of how low the prediction is. But families develop an evacuation plan and a sheltering plan for others in your household. In terms to population density, a small quantity of civilians in California live within a close range to volcanoes. The extent of volcanic activity is economically low in standards, as very few citizens settle near volcanoes. Civilians live close to volcanos because Geothermal energy can be harnessed by using the steam from underground which has been heated by the Earth's magma. The extent of volcanic activity remains tiny particles of volcanic debris (volcanic ash), covering much of the land. The lack of oxygen is significant and also the decrease of temperatures across California. A large number of the world's active volcanoes reside in the United States, there are approximately 169 volcanoes in the United States that scientists consider active. Most of these are located in Alaska, where eruptions occur virtually every year. Others are located throughout the west and in Hawaii. The extent of volcanoes leaves disruption in the location.
Example 2
Example 3
Example 4
