STEMms

Storm Chasers

Surviving Nature's Wrath

Introduction

Nature can be beautiful, but also extremely dangerous: hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, storms, wildfires, earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanoes. In this expedition, we will explore these and other natural hazards and design a way to survive them! Understanding our world's processes, climates, ecosystems, and geography, we will uncover the origin of these disasters and how we can respond to them.

In this expedition, we will explore the main natural hazards and disasters that occur (and have occurred) on planet Earth. Understanding how climate, geography, tectonic plates, ecosystems, and human activity can all play a part in these dangerous and massive events. Through research and effective planning, you will not only explore the origins and dynamics of these natural phenomena but also know the recommended actions to face any one of these events and design a device or home that could, in the future, save lives.

Essential Questions

• What is the water cycle, and how does it play an important role in human life and activity?
• What is erosion, and how does it shape the surface of the Earth?
• What natural resources are required for life, and why is their location and supply important?
• What is the difference between weather and climate?
• What are the various climate patterns, and why do they occur?
• How is the weather predicted?
• How is the climate changing, and why do scientists believe this change is caused by human activity?
• What are the various types of natural hazards, and how do we navigate these safely?
• What resources are consumed at concerning rates, and why is this problematic?
• What are the requirements for life?
• Why does the life of an individual organism depend upon and impact the ecosystem as a whole?
• How do various organisms and species interact in the natural world?
• Are animal relationships all positive or all negative? Is there a degree of nuance?
• How do human activities impact the environment?
• In what ways do humans rely upon the environment for survival?

Learning Objectives

• Differentiate between weather and climate.
• Describe common weather patterns.
• Describe (or model) ocean currents and their impact on climate and weather.
• Explain global climate change.
• Describe natural hazards and make plans for safety.
• Describe the food web of an ecosystem.
• Explain the resources necessary for life.
• Describe relationships as competitive, predatory, or mutually beneficial.
• Define biodiversity and explain why it is important.
• Explain how humans depend upon the environment for survival.