Tsunami

3. Prediction and preparation for natural hazards

Required Resources

• Student Worksheets 2-4
• Slides 16-18

Delivery

• Distribute copies of Student Worksheets 2-4 to all students. The Worksheets contain source material on which students can base their writing in this Episode.
• Students should imagine that they are producing a leaflet on behalf of the Royal Navy, for the community in the area of Sri Lanka that was affected by the tsunami. The aim of their leaflet is to provide basic facts and to explain essential information about tsunamis to the community. Leaflets should be clear, easy to understand and should include illustrations. Emphasise to students that illustrations are particularly important when communicating with people who speak a different language. Essential information that all students should include is: a. How tsunamis are created. b. How to recognise a tsunami. c. What people should do in the event of another incident in order to give themselves the best possible chances of survival. d. Information on warning systems / community education programmes that can be implemented in areas that may fall victim to a tsunami in the future.
• You may prefer to brief students to produce a poster, or to give them the choice of a poster or a leaflet.

Differentiation

Lower Ability:

Leaflets as a form are more inclusive than many other styles of writing. However, some students may find the extent of writing required of them in this activity too difficult. In this instance you may prefer to ask them to create a leaflet appealing for charitable donations in the wake of the tsunami. Their leaflet should be targeted at the British people and should contain some demonstrable understanding of what tsunamis are and how they are formed.

Higher Ability:

Students may prefer to demonstrate their understanding through a more complex form. They can be charged with the production of a short news article about tsunamis and the need for community education programmes and early warning systems. If an ICT facility is available they can supplement the information on Student Worksheets 2 - 4 with further research.