1. Preparing for Natural
Disasters
This presentation provides an overview of
upcoming class activities.
Project-Based Learning Plan

2. Important Questions
Essential Question: Are you prepared?
Unit Questions: How do natural disaster impact
people? What can we learn from previous natural
disasters to better prepare for future ones?
Content Questions: What are some natural
disasters that have occurred in the United
States? What are some ways people prepare for
natural disasters?

3. Summary of Unit
The title of our unit is “Preparing for Natural Disasters.”
This is going to be a 3 week long project, taking place on
Tuesdays and Thursdays. The students will be broken up
into groups of 4 and assigned to different regions of the
country. They will then have to research natural disasters
that occur in their assigned areas and ways to prepare for
these disasters. The students will then make a “Protection
Pamphlet” showing ways to be protected from the natural
disaster they researched. Lastly the students will make a
presentation in front of the class discussing what they have
learned.

4. Role of the Teacher
As the teacher, I will act as the facilitator for the
project. I will help the students do research, both
on computers and in the library, on their
assigned disaster. I will meet weekly with each
group for a short conference to make sure they
are staying on track according to the project
plan. Lastly, I will be grading the project on
correctness, but also on the presentation and
willingness to work with a group.

5. Role of the Parent
Due to the fact that the entire project will take
place in the classroom, parent involvement is not
required. All I ask from the parents is that you
talk to your student at home about the project
they are working on at school. Sound
enthusiastic about the work they are doing and
the progress they are making. Parents are also
welcome to come watch the students make their
final presentation. Details of the date and time
will be announced as soon as possible.

6. Role of the Student
Majority of the students work will take place at
school while working with a group of peers. The
students will be given a project plan with
expected due dates and requirements. Although I
will be meeting periodically with the students, it
is their own responsibility to stay on task. The
students will be required to work collectively as a
group to receive the best grade possible.

7. Benefits of the Unit
This unit is not only teaching the children a
lesson, but it is also teaching them precautions
for events that could happen in their lives. The
students will gain experience with talking in
front of a group of people, which surely will
occur at some point in their futures. Becoming
comfortable speaking in public at a young age,
will help students to feel better prepared when
they have to present in future grades.

8. Standards that will be met
3rd Grade Social Studies: 9.) Identify ways to
prepare for natural disasters in the United
States.
a.) Examples: preparing for earthquakes by
identifying structural needs of homes before
building, construction houses on stilts in flood-
prone areas, buying earthquake and flood
insurance, providing hurricane or tornado
shelters, establishing evacuation routes

9. Objectives for Unit
Use critical thinking skills to solve real world problems.
Collaborate with others to complete the project.
Students will correctly use the Internet to research
information on natural disasters.
Students will present their finished projects to the class.
Students will understand how to effectively prepare for
natural disasters.

10. Project-Based Learning
Project-Based learning is an instructional technique
that provides authentic learning opportunities for
students, while increasing their interest and
motivation.
PBL allows students to build 21st Century Skills
The students will be leading their own learning and
taking an initiative.
Students collaborate with peers while the teacher
acts as the facilitator.

11. Contact Information
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have
any questions at all. The best time to reach me is
between 10:00-10:50 during my planning period.
Phone number: 904-504-9747
Email: bewoodall1@crimson.ua.edu