Contextualization

Natural disasters are occurrences in nature that may significantly impact life and property. They can vary from events that are barely noticeable, like the natural erosion of soil, to catastrophic events that can result in death and destruction, like volcanic eruptions, earthquakes and tsunamis. Although these events can be devastating, they also represent intriguing opportunities for investigation and learning.

Natural disasters can be classified into several main categories, including geological, meteorological, hydrological, and biological processes. Geological processes include activities like volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, tsunamis, and landslides. Meteorological processes involve weather-related phenomena, such as hurricanes, tornadoes, snowstorms, and floods. Hydrological processes are related to how water acts on the Earth, while biological processes are natural occurrences that relate to life on Earth.

In this project, we will focus on three of the most impactful and noticeable natural disasters: volcanoes, earthquakes, and tsunamis. Investigating how they are formed, what their effects are and what causes them, will enable us to better understand how our planet functions, and how we can live more harmoniously and safely on our planet.

These natural phenomena have significant practical importance. For example, volcanic activity can be a source of geothermal energy, while lava and ash deposits can enrich the soil. Similarly, earthquakes can provide valuable insights about the Earth's inner layers and structure. Tsunamis, though destructive, can teach us about how different elements in nature are interconnected and alert us about the protection of our coasts and seaside populations.

In this context, here are some resource links for you to explore:

• TV Escola's video series "Mundo Geo" in Portuguese
• Brasil Escola's Geology Page in Portuguese
• Geology for Everyone in Portuguese

This project aims to provide an opportunity for you, the students, to explore these natural disasters collaboratively and in an engaging fashion. Together, shall we embark upon this journey to unravel our planet's mysteries?

Hands-on Activity

Activity title: "Earth's Awakenings: Volcanoes, Earthquakes and Tsunamis"

Project Goal:

The aim of this project is to foster a better understanding among students about volcanoes, earthquakes, and tsunamis - the very phenomena that shape and change the face of our planet. It also seeks to promote teamwork, research, organization and presentation skills.

Extended Project Description:

Students will be divided into groups of 3-5, and will have one week to complete the project, which should be submitted in the form of a written report (see "Deliverables").

The project will comprise two main components: theoretical research and practical experimentation.

During the first phase, each group will research a specific natural phenomenon (either volcanoes, earthquakes or tsunamis), exploring questions such as how, why and where these occur, as well as their impact.

In the second phase, the groups will use common materials to create models that illustrate the natural disaster they have researched. For instance, a model of a volcano erupting, a model that demonstrates the shock waves caused by an earthquake or a model that visualizes how a tsunami is formed.

Required Materials:

• Office Supplies (pencil, eraser, crayons, paper, glue, scissors)
• Recyclable materials (plastic bottles, cardboard boxes)
• Clay or play dough
• Vinegar
• Baking soda
• Food coloring
• Plastic bowl
• Water

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Theoretical Research: Each group will select one geological phenomenon (volcano, earthquake, tsunami) and will conduct in-depth research about how it is formed, where it occurs, the impact it has and any other relevant information, using credible sources.

2. Model making: Using the materials at their disposal, each group will create a functioning model of the phenomenon. For example, for a volcano, the group could use a plastic bottle as a base, cover it with clay to create a volcano shape, and then use a vinegar and baking soda solution to simulate an eruption.

3. Documentation: Throughout the process, students should take the time to document their progress, noting steps taken, materials used, results found, information sources, problems encountered, and how they were solved.

4. Report Writing: Finally, students will put together a report that combines the theoretical research, the description of the hands-on experiment and a reflection on the results and outcomes. The report should follow the structure Introduction, Development, Conclusion and References.

Deliverables:

By the end of the week, each group should submit:

1. Their model of the natural disaster of choice
2. A documented report that includes:
   • Introduction: In this section the group will contextualize the chosen phenomenon, its relevance and real-life applications as well as the objective of the project.
   • Development: Here the group should explain the theory behind the phenomenon, talk about the process of making their model, detailing the methodology and materials used as well as presenting and discussing their results.
   • Conclusion: In this section the group should revisit their main points, state their learnings, developed skills and conclusions about the project.
   • References: Lastly, the students must cite the sources that they have used to develop their project.

Please note: the evaluation of this project is based not only on the quality of the model and the report, but also on collaboration and teamwork. Therefore, each member is expected to contribute equally to the work.