McGraw-Hill Health 2005

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Macmillan/McGraw-Hill Health Grade 6
Grade 6
e-Journal

Health Online
Moving Disasters

Step 1. Questions

Disasters strike all over the world. Some disasters, like hurricanes and volcanic eruptions, can be predicted well in advance. Others, like tornadoes and earthquakes, can strike with little warning.

For this e-Journal project, you will research and report on natural disasters and how to stay safe when one strikes. You may choose to report on many different disasters, or report in detail on one type of disaster.

Here are some questions to guide your research.
  • What causes the disaster? Where does the disaster most often occur?
  • What is it like to live through the disaster? What damage does the disaster cause?
  • What safety rules can people learn to prepare for the disaster? What safety rules should they follow during the disaster?
  • What questions do you have about disasters? How can people stay safe when they strike?
As you visit the Web sites listed in Step 2, take notes in the note-taking boxes. You may also use search engines to find other Web sites to visit, or research disasters and disaster safety at the library.

When you are ready, follow Steps 3 and 4 to write your report.

Step 2. Research

Research answers for the questions you were asked in Step 1. Visit these Web sites. Take notes about them on this page, too!

FEMA For Kids: The Disaster Area
FEMA stands for the Federal Emergency Management Agency. They are a branch of the U.S. government. They teach people how to prepare for, and stay safe during tornadoes, floods, earthquakes, hurricanes, and other disasters. Learn all about them at this Web site.
Take Notes:



American Red Cross: Disaster Services
When disaster strikes, the Red Cross helps people survive and cope. Visit their thorough Web site to learn safety rules during an earthquake, flood, hurricane, or other disaster.
Take Notes:



Savage Planet
Visit this Web site to learn about all sorts of natural disasters, including some rare disasters that may be new to you. This intriguing Web site comes from PBS, home of the Savage Planet television series.
Take Notes:



Additional Sites

NOVA Online: Avalanche!
When snow comes tumbling down a mountain—look out! It’s an avalanche! Learn all about the power of avalanches at this great Web site, from NOVA Online.
Take Notes:



Go to Step 3 or Save My Notes


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