HURRICANE 2000
Photo Credit:  J. Ferrell
 
Introduction
Task
Process
Resources
Evaluation
Conclusion

Introduction:

Hurricanes are a constant threat to the lives and well being of those people who live along the coast. In September of 1999,  Hurricane Floyd struck the eastern coast of the United States. Lives were lost, homes were destroyed, and many people are still awaiting financial aid to help them rebuild their lives.

The Task:

CNN has just hired you to create a 60 minute news special  report on Hurricane Floyd. This news special will be aired by all major networks in August to help viewers prepare for the current hurricane season. To complete this task, you will each assume one of the following roles: a CNN news reporter, a family with a pet, a member of the National Weather Service, a Red Cross volunteer, and a government official. You will work together to create a presentation in which you will share your knowledge of hurricanes and help viewers be prepared.

The Process:

You will work together in a group. Each person will have a specific role to play and questions to investigate as you explore the Internet links.

CNN News Reporter

  1. Create an introduction to be used on the news program. Talk in first person and tell who you are and what you are doing.
  2. Stage the broadcast, complete with transitions from one person to the next.
  3. Summarize the news report and challenge the viewers at home to get prepared for the upcoming hurricane season.
Family With a Pet
  1. What supplies must you have on hand?
  2. How will you prepare your home?
  3. How will you determine if you will stay or evacuate?
  4. What support services are available?
Member of the National Weather Service
  1. Describe where and when hurricanes form.
  2. What are hurricane categories and corresponding wind speeds?
  3. How does a hurricane gain strength?
  4. How do you track a hurricane?
Red Cross Volunteer
  1. Where are the shelters located?
  2. How will you help people pass the time?
  3. Have there been any medical problems? If so, how have you coped?
  4. How many people have died, and how many were injured?
Government Official
  1. Explain voluntary and mandatory evacuation procedures.
  2. How many people are without electricity?
  3. How many people have lost their homes?
  4. Did the evacuation work?
  5. What other concerns are there?
Once you have completed your Internet research, formulate questions and answers to be used on your special news report.

Perform your script to be video-taped.

Resources:

The following are links of Internet resources available to help you complete this project. In addition to the Internet links, you may seek advice from the school librarian with regards to the staging and taping of your news report.

USA TODAY WEATHER

NOAA - NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION

THE HURRICANE HUNTERS

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HURRICANE PAGE

HURRICANE AND NATURAL DISASTER BROCHURE

NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER

RED CROSS INFORMATION ON HURRICANES

FEMA - FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY

FEMA STORM WATCH

HURRICANE FLOYD TRACKING MAP

HURICANE FLOYD RESPONSE AND RECOVERY

FEMA FOR KIDS: HURRICANES

EMERGENCY ANIMAL RESCUE SERVICE

SOUTH CAROLINA EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS DIVISION

CNN NEWSROOM GUIDE

MYRTLE BEACH HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS
 


 
 

Evaluation:

Your Webquest project will be evaluated using the following rubric.
 
 

.
1
Little or no effort made. 
2
Some attempt made. 
3
Strong attempt made.
4
High attention given to detail.
Accuracy of information. . . . .
Use of the Internet. . . . .
Fulfilled character role. . . . .
Individual contribution to group project. . . . .
Final presentation. . . . .
Project completed on time. . . . .
        A     21-24 points
        B     16-20 points
        C     11-15  points
        D     6-10  points

Conclusion:

There are several benefits I hope you will obtain from this webquest project. I hope you gain a knowledge of hurricanes and understand the steps to take in order to be safe during these storms. The second benefit I hope you receive is a better working knowledge of using the Internet as a research tool. Lastly, I hope you will be more able and willing to work collaboratively in a group while utilizing your problem solving skills.
 


 
Photo Credit:  J. Ferrell

 
Introduction
Task
Process
Resources
Evaluation
Conclusion
Please contact me if you have any questions or comments.
This webquest was created by Charlotte South.

 
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