Introduction to our research unit.

1. EARTHQUAKES: A
TRAGIC NATURAL
DISASTER
December 22, 2011

2. In-Class Research
2
Reading: The reading portion of this unit will focus on gathering research
for the summary reports being written in writing. The expectation is that
the research time during class will be used effectively and that scholars
will keep pace with the lessons and the deliverables. At the end of almost
all of the lessons there is a deliverable, or product, due to make sure that
scholars stay on track with their research work. Reading homework will
be covered through the Independent Research Project.
Outline of Research: The following is the progression of sources upon
which we will base our research.
Week 1: Newspaper articles
Week 2: Magazines / NF Books
Week 3: Internet Research and Newscasts
Weeks 4 and 5: Mixed Materials

3. Independent Research Project
3
Your final product is a summary report similar
to the one that you will write in class. Your
independent research report must have the
following sections, each of which must be
two paragraphs in length excluding the
introduction and conclusion which can
each be one paragraph:
 Introduction
 Definition and Explanation of Your Topic
 Causes
 Effects
 Responses to Effects
 Famous Examples

4. Earthquakes: A Tragic Natural
4
Disaster
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPj41JySMLk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HNpi9nCnMP
o&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X4lIFEDFYIw
&feature=related

5. Discussion Prompt #1
5
 What did you learn from the videos about
earthquakes? What are some of the effects
of earthquakes? What have the responses
to those effects been? How do you know?

6. Writing Prompt
6
In one complete paragraph summarize what
you have learned about earthquakes. Refer
directly to the videos that were watched and
to the comments made during the class
discussion. You must provide an explanation
for your thoughts and link it to today’s
lesson.