COURSE NAME: Natural Disasters

SCHOOL DISTRICT: South Glens Falls

INSTRUCTOR: Thomas Lane

Half Year

COURSE PREREQUISITES: Earth Science Regents Passed

BRIEF COURSE DESCRIPTION / OUTLINE:
" Natural Disasters affecting people has increased 3-fold in the last four decades.
" 2003-2005 saw unprecedented problems for Governments and relief agencies due to the number and
magnitude of Natural Disasters occurring in those years.
" The 2005 Atlantic Hurricane Season had the highest number of Hurricanes in recorded history.
" The course provides a cross-curriculum view of problems created by nature in a venue that will provoke
scientific inquiry, critical thinking, and use current events to examine dilemmas facing humanity today.

Week 1
What is a natural disaster? Classification of these disasters.
Why study natural disasters.

Week 2 - Week 8
Natural disasters in Meteorology.

Each week or two features a type of Natural Disaster in Meteorology.
The history of that Natural Disaster, Current problems, current scientific thinking, uses of technology, dealing
with prevention and aftermath of the disaster.

Examples: Hurricanes, Thunderstorms, Extreme Heat, Tornadoes, Winter Storms
Week 9 - Week 18

Natural Disasters in Geology.

Same format.

Examples: Earthquakes, Fires, Landslides, Floods, Volcanoes, and Tsunamis

Week 19 - Week 20
Natural Disasters in Astronomy - asteroid impact.
Wrap to Course.

OTHER NOTES / MISCELLANEOUS: ½ year credit - Physical Setting

1/20/06