Nature’s Fury: The Science of Natural Disasters
OVERVIEW
This activity, which is aligned to the Common Core State Standards (CCSS)
for English Language Arts, introduces students to scientific knowledge and
language related to natural hazards. Students will read content-rich texts,
visit the
Nature’s Fury: The Science of Natural Disasters
exhibition, and
use what they have learned to complete a CCSS-aligned writing task by
creating an illustrated text about natural hazards.
Materials in this activity include:
• Teacher instructions for:
o Pre-visit student reading
o Visit to
Nature’s Fury
and Student Worksheet
o Post-visit writing task
• Text for student reading: “Avoiding Earthquake Surprises in the Pacific
Northwest”
• Student Worksheet for the
Nature’s Fury
visit
• Student Writing Guidelines
• Teacher rubric for writing assessment
SUPPORTS FOR DIVERSE LEARNERS: An Overview
This resource has been designed to engage all learners with the principles of Universal Design for Learning in mind. It represents
information in multiple ways and offers multiple ways for your students to engage with content as they read about, discuss, view, and write
about scientific concepts. Different parts of the experience (e.g. reading texts, locating information in the exhibition) may challenge individual
students. However, the arc of learning is designed to offer varied opportunities to learn. We suggest that all learners experience each activity,
even if challenging. We have provided ways to adapt each step of the activities for students with different skill-levels. If any students have an
Individualized Education Program (IEP), consult it for additional accommodations or modifications.
1. BEFORE YOUR VISIT
This part of the activity engages students in reading a non-fiction text about natural hazards. The reading will prepare
students for their visit by introducing them to the topic and framing their investigation.
Student Reading
Have students read “Avoiding Earthquake Surprises in the Pacific Northwest.” Ask them to write notes in the large right-
hand margin. For example, they could underline key passages, paraphrase important information, or write down any
questions.
Discussion Questions:
• What causes earthquakes?
(Earthquakes are powerful waves that pass through the ground. They are caused by the sudden release of stored up
strain in rocks. When the rocks break, this stored energy surges through Earth.)
• How do scientists compare the power of different earthquakes? How does the magnitude scale work?
(Scientists compare earthquakes based on the amount of energy they put out. They use the magnitude scale to
measure this energy. Each step up the magnitude scale represents a thirty-fold increase in power.)
• What evidence did scientists find that “great” quakes were possible in the Cascadia region?
(Scientists have found evidence that past earthquakes flooded and killed forests, filled cracks in rock with quicksand,
and even caused massive waves called tsunamis.)
1
Science & Literacy Activity
GRADES 6-8
Common Core State Standards:
WHST.6-8.2, WHST.6-8.8, WHST.6-8.9,
RST.6-8.1, RST.6-8.2, RST.6-8.4, RST.6-8.10
New York State Science Standards:
PS2.2a
Next Generation Science Standards:
• Disciplinary Core Idea ESS3.B: Natural
Hazards. Mapping the history of natural
hazards in a region, combined with an
understanding of related geologic forces
can help forecast the locations and
likelihoods of future events.
• Science and Engineering Practice 8:
Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating
Information