They also analyze methods of monitoring and forecasting these events. Concepts include local and global heating, convection, the water cycle and cloud formation, air pressure, and the analysis of weather maps. The first part ends with students investigating ocean currents and their effect on global weather patterns. The second part, Earthquakes, focuses on wave motion, earthquake data, and the factors that cause earthquakes. Plate motion and the structure of Earth are introduced in the context of plate tectonics.
Students design and build model structures that can reduce the risks associated with earthquakes.
In the third part, Volcanoes, students simulate the movement of magma and lava and its effects on land formation. They investigate viscosity and crystallization and examine igneous rocks and volcanic ash. The section concludes with an investigation of the effects of ashfall on the atmosphere and surrounding landscape. Each part of the module begins with an assessment of students current understanding of the topic and ends with performance-based and written assessments. The activity, Comparing Catastrophic Events, and the culminating anchor activity on the risks associated with natural hazards integrate the concepts of the module.