Unit Plan 33 (Grade 4 Science): Natural Hazards

Focus: Investigate natural Earth processes (earthquakes, volcanoes, floods, hurricanes, landslides) and compare solutions that reduce their impacts on people and communities.

Grade Level: 4

Subject Area: Science (Earth & Human Activity • Engineering/Design Connections)

Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 50–60 minutes per session

I. Introduction

In this unit, students explore how natural hazards shape where and how people live. Using maps, short readings, and videos, they examine examples of earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires, and landslides. Students identify how these events affect homes, roads, schools, and safety, then look at real-world solutions (e.g., levees, building codes, evacuation plans). The week ends with students comparing and recommending solutions for one local or global hazard scenario.

Essential Questions

• What are natural hazards, and how do they affect where and how people live?
• How can people reduce the impacts of natural Earth processes, even though they can’t stop them?
• What makes one solution (e.g., wall, warning system, evacuation route) better or more practical than another?
• How can we use evidence about hazards to recommend the best solutions for a community?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Identify and describe common natural hazards (earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, wildfires, tornadoes, landslides) and their effects on people and property.
2. Match specific hazards (e.g., flooding, shaking, high winds) with possible solutions (e.g., levees, stilts, building codes, sirens, shelters).
3. Generate multiple solutions to reduce the impacts of a chosen hazard and compare them using clear criteria and constraints.
4. Use maps, visuals, and short readings as evidence to support claims about which solutions work best in a scenario.
5. Create a short Natural Hazard Safety Plan (poster, brochure, or slide) that explains the hazard, its impacts, and a recommended solution with justification.

Standards Alignment — 4th Grade (NGSS-Aligned)

• 4-ESS3-2 — Generate and compare multiple solutions to reduce the impacts of natural Earth processes on humans.
  • Example: Compare ideas like seawalls vs. elevating houses to reduce flood damage, or building codes vs. open fields to reduce earthquake injuries.

Success Criteria — Student Language

• I can name and describe at least three different natural hazards and how they affect people.
• I can match hazards to solutions, explaining why a solution might help.
• I can compare two or more solutions using clear reasons (e.g., cost, safety, practicality).
• I can use maps, diagrams, or readings as evidence when I recommend a solution.
• I can create a Natural Hazard Safety Plan that clearly explains the hazard and how my chosen solution reduces its impact.