Unit Plan 25 (Grade 3 Science): Hazard-Reduction Solutions

Focus: Make and justify claims about solutions that reduce the impact of weather-related hazards such as floods, droughts, storms, and wildfires.

Grade Level: 3

Subject Area: Science (Earth & Space Science • Engineering/Design)

Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 45–60 minutes per session

I. Introduction

In this unit, students connect their understanding of weather hazards to real-world design solutions that help keep people and communities safer. They examine examples such as levees, storm drains, drought-tolerant landscaping, lightning rods, and firebreaks, and then make claims about how well each solution reduces hazard impacts. By the end of the week, students evaluate solutions using simple criteria and constraints and communicate their reasoning in writing and discussion.

Essential Questions

• How do weather-related hazards like floods, droughts, storms, and wildfires affect people and communities?
• What kinds of design solutions can reduce the impacts of these hazards?
• How can we decide whether one solution works better than another for a specific place or problem?
• Why is it important to use evidence and clear criteria when making claims about hazard-reduction solutions?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Describe at least two weather-related hazards and how they can affect people, homes, or communities.
2. Identify and explain how several design solutions (e.g., levees, drainage systems, wind-resistant roofs, firebreaks) help reduce hazard impacts.
3. Use simple criteria (safety, cost, ease of use, fit for local conditions) to compare at least two solutions for the same hazard.
4. Make a claim about which solution works better for a given situation and support it with evidence from texts, visuals, or class investigations.
5. Create a Hazard-Reduction Claim Poster that clearly states a claim, gives reasons, and uses labeled diagrams or models.

Standards Alignment — 3rd Grade (NGSS-Aligned)

• 3-ESS3-1 — Make a claim about the merit of a design solution that reduces the impact of a weather-related hazard.
  • Example: Explain why building a levee, raising houses, or planting deep-rooted plants could reduce flooding impacts.
• 3-5-ETS1-2 — Generate and compare multiple solutions based on how well they meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.
  • Example: Decide whether a sandbag wall or a drainage ditch is a better solution for a local flood-prone area.

Success Criteria — Student Language

• I can name a weather hazard and tell how it can affect people or places.
• I can describe at least one design solution and explain how it helps reduce damage from that hazard.
• I can use criteria (like safety and cost) to compare two solutions.
• I can write or say a clear claim about which solution is better and support it with evidence.
• I can create a poster or model that shows my solution and explains why it works for a specific hazard.