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Lesson Plans - 6th Grade

Volcano!

Students will understand the following:
1. Volcanic eruptions that take place near populated areas can be disastrous.
2. The level of destruction caused by a volcanic eruption depends on several factors, including the kind of volcano eruption and the speed at which the lava or ash flows.
3. Volcanic eruptions can often be predicted.
4. Measures can be taken to help people cope with the disaster of a volcanic eruption.

Earthquakes: Getting Ready for the Big One

Discuss with students where earthquakes are mostly likely to occur. If they don’t know, they can look at a map of earthquake hot spots or at theJava Earthquake Globe. If students live near one of these areas, discuss life in “earthquake country.”

The Impact of Natural Hazards Around the World

This lesson is designed to help students understand that the negative consequences of natural hazards can be reduced if we understand our vulnerability to learn to prepare for them.

Natural Hazard Risks in the United States

Students will

* label several towns on a blank map;
* view a map showing which natural hazards exist in each of these towns, and record their findings;
* research and take notes on earthquakes, volcanoes, tornadoes, hurricanes, and floods; and
* conduct case studies on specific towns that are susceptible to natural hazards.

Continental Drift

Students will:
1. understand how Earth changed over a long period of time; and
2. understand how scientists developed a theory using fossil evidence.