4 - SS3_Natural processes - ASSIGNED (CJT 1/21/2014)

Module: Natural Processes

DCI: ESS3.B Natural Hazards – A variety of hazards result from natural processes (e.g., earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions). Humans cannot eliminate the hazards but can take the steps to reduce their impacts.

DCI: ETS1.B Designing Solutions to Engineering Problems – Testing a solution involves investigating how well it performs under a range of likely conditions.

 PE: 4-ESS3-2 Generate and compare multiple solutions to reduce the impacts of natural Earth processes on humans.

No Clarification Statements:

The content of this standard seems to be as follows.

- Natural processes on the earth lead to events that can cause harm to humans or damage to property.

- The standard includes a short list of processes ( earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions ). It seems likely that processes are acceptable for test items, but other processes might also be acceptable. There is no indication that students need to be able to be able to define or explain these events (i.e. students do not need to recognize a tsunami as a large wave nor that it results from shifting earth beneath the surface of the ocean.)

- Humans can't stop the processes that are hazardous.

- Humans can do things to reduce the impact of hazardous events.

It seems the emphasis should be on designing ways to reduce the damage of earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanic eruptions (etc.) and evaluating competing designs.

Possible Questions:

- One question could simply ask about what humans can do, with the correct answer being something like "lessen the damage" and the incorrect answers be "eliminate the hazard".

The other questions should present information so that students can evaluate and make decisions about engineering solutions to natural hazards. These could include...

- building designs that reduce earthquake damage

- planting trees to reduce tsunami damage