This lesson introduces the forces of nature and how these forces effect the earth's surface. Not all of these natural events occur in every part of the world, therefore, via video and discussion, some students were exposed to unfamiliar natural weather activity. Also, these students became familiar with problem-solving skills that were applied when they planned and developed an 'earth-friendly, weather-safe' community.

"Setting the Stage" - Review what the students learned about the surface of the earth and its composition may affect the earth. Has it been windy? Did it rain yesterday? Was there a storm recently?

"Earth Changing Events"
This segment used videos to introduce the sights, sounds and effects that earthquakes, volcanoes, tornadoes, hail storms, rainstorms and wind have on our planet. However, not all types of weather activities occur in every part of the planet. When such a storm was viewed on video, the teacher then paused and illustrated this fact using a map as a visual. Also, when a more familiar type of natural storm was viewed, discussion was held regarding the potential danger to humans and the kinds of precautions which could be taken to avoid injury.

"Natural Disaster Game"
Touch-screen activity - Students randomly chose the a topic of interest regarding today's subject by touching a related picture on the Learning Station. This, in turn, shows the student more in-depth information on the type of natural storm activity they have chosen.
Hands-on activity: Erosion - For a better understanding of erosion, have the students create a 'garden' of sand or soil in a pan, cookie sheet or box. Slowly pour water into the sand to illustrate what happens during heavy rain or. Experiment by pouring water from various angles and have the children describe the outcome. Then, using pencils, toy logs, or other item to block the flow, show how they can change the direction of the water's flow. After the hands-on activity, the lesson is reinforced with a coloring exercise. Students should be encouraged to draw a garden and indicate, by either drawing or simply explaining, how they would protect their garden.
Hands-on Activity: Waves - After learning about waves and damage they may cause, reinforce this lesson with a cut and paste activity. Have copies made of the seaside village. Also make copies of the stone walls to cut out. Students then color their village and plan where they should place the walls to prevent waves from damaging the village. The teacher can either precut the 'walls' or if students have the motor skills, they may cut them out during this activity. Students then place the 'walls' where they think would best protect the village. As they describe their projects, encourage reasoning and full sentences.
Touch-screen Activity: Tornado game - this game is similar to a maze. On the Learning Station, the student drags the twister/tornado through the countryside, avoiding damage to any property. If something is 'hit', the tornado returns to the starting place. The object is to guide the tornado safely out to sea. Students enjoy this game. It's fun and a little noisy. Encourage the students to explain how they plan to move the tornado away from the town. Teachers should remind students that tornadoes cannot be controlled by humans except in games.

"Where To Build"
This discussion segment reinforced what the students learned at the beginning of this lesson. While viewing different scenes on the Learning Station, the student explains the positive and negative aspects of building towns in particular areas. This exercise introduces new vocabulary and encourages the students to realize there are two sides, positive and negative, to this situation.

"City Planner Builds a City"
Touch-screen Activity - Students first watch 'Karen' as she explains her plan to build a city. Then, students have the chance to build their own city by on the Learning Station by dragging icons onto the map. During and after the building of their city, the teacher encourages group discussions and alternative ideas for a city. Students then have the opportunity to keep the original design or change any or the entire layout of the city. This process provides for creative discussions, negotiations and teamwork.

After the city is created, students must promote their city. Each student should prepare a sentence to describe where and why a particular part of the city was built. This presentation should be videotaped. Encourage the students to be enthusiastic and 'sell' their city. Create a name for the city, as well as its hospitals, schools, etc. Talk about how their city became a safe city.

Before Going Home - Review
Review different storms and the damage they cause
Erosion - what is it and how can it be controlled
Designing a safe town
Promoting your town

Supply List for Activities
"Today I Learned" - parents handout
Baking sheet, pan, shoe box or some other container for sand or soil
Water pitcher to pour water in 'garden' to create erosion
Pencils, toy logs, or some other item to block and divert erosion flow
Drawing of seaside village, cutouts of drawn stone walls
Glue, crayons or markers
Videotape for presentations