Introduction
On December 26, 2004 a devastating tsunami struck the coast of the Indian Ocean, killing more than 150,000 men, women, and children. While millions of dollars of aide have been donated to the victims of this tsunami, some wonder if this widespread devastation could have been avoided. Tsunami-warning systems have not been installed along the coastlines of the Indian Ocean. Following the December 26th tsunami, some experts are wondering if it is not time to change this. Still, others argue that such a system would cost more money than it would be worth.
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Task
- Together, your group will create a Power Point presentation in which you will outline the pros and the cons of building a tsunami warning system.
- Finally, your group must come to a consensus and each person will write a letter persuading the President of the United States to either support the development of a tsunami warning system in this region or to choose not to support the development of such a warning system.
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Process
- You will work with four classmates. Each person in your group will choose one of the following roles - Geographer, Developer, Banker and Scientist (roles are explained in detail below. After you have seleceted your role, you will research the benefits and disadvantages of creating a tsunami warning system.
- Upon the completion of your research, your group will meet again and discuss your findings.
- Together your group will create a Power Point presentation in which you will outline the pros and cons of building a tsunami warning system.
- Finally, your group must come to a consensus and each member will write a letter to the President of the United States persuading him to construct a tsunami warning system in this regioin, or to choose not to support the development of such a system.
- Click here to download the Persuasion Map graphic organizer
- Click here to download your Word/Cluster Web to organize your facts. Please note that each group member must download his or her own Cluster Web Number One to organize facts found during his or her research.
GEOGRAPHER
The geographer will locate the countries that share a coastline with the Indian Ocean. Your job is to determine the population of the countries with coastlines along the Indian Ocean. How many lives could be saved by installing a tsunami-warning system?
DEVELOPER
The developer will research the types of tsunami warning systems that have been developed and are currently being used in other countries. Your job is to determine which, if any, tsunami warning systems would be most beneficial to the countries along the Indian Ocean.
BANKER
The banker is responsible for finding the best way to pay for the warning system. The banker will need to research the cost of installing and maintaining various warning systems. Once an average cost has been determined, you will need to decide who should pay for the warning system - each individual country or will the cost be covered by foreign aide?
SCIENTIST
The scientist is responsible for researching the science of tsunamis. You need to find the answers to the following questions:
- What is a tsunami?
- How often do they strike along the coastline of the Indian Ocean?
- How fast do they travel?
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Evaluation
Click Here to View Rubric for Persuasive
Click Here to View Rubric for Power Point
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Conclusion
Congratulations! You are now a tsunami warning systems expert! With your expertise, you are able to answer the difficult question - Should a tsunmai warning system be installed along the coast of the Indian Ocean? You know what you think, now find out what the experts think!
Click here to find out what steps, if any, have been taken towards building an Indian Ocean tsunmi warning system.
If your interest in Natural Disasters has been peaked, check out the following websites for more information on Natural Disasters, from floods to volcanoes!
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Teacher Notes
- This WebQuest was developed for a 5th grade class of mixed ability levels. I expect that it will take 4 weeks to complete, meeting 2 times per week for 45 minutes.
- This WebQuest is best viewed using Internet Explorer
Click here to read about curriculum relevance of this Webquest to 5th grade curriculum
Click here for free downloadable PDF textbooks
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Copyright, 2005, Jennifer M. Poling
Page Last Modified 4/28/05
