LA Science Performance Expectations

• Predict weather based on recorded information
• Identify various types of weather-related natural hazards (hurricanes, thunderstorms, lightning, wind, tornadoes, hailstorms, snowstorms, flooding)
• Describe possible effects of identified weather-related natural hazards
• Construct a list of items needed if a natural hazard occurs and include safety measures to follow for each kind of natural hazard
• Use historical hurricane data to plot the movement of hurricanes and explain events or conditions that affected their paths
• Describe ecosystem components
• Describe changes that can occur in various ecosystems and relate the changes to the ability of the organism to survive
• Explain well-known examples of the impact of environmental factors on the characteristics of a population
• Describe how humans' actions and nature have modified soil, water, and surface features in coastal regions

• Students use telecommunications to collaborate, publish, and interact with peers, experts and other audiences.
• Students use a variety of media and formats to communicate and present information and ideas effectively to multiple audiences.

• Students use appropriate technology resources for solving problems and making informed decisions.
• Students employ technology for real world problem solving.
• Students evaluate the technology selected, the process, and the final results through the use of informed decision-making skills.

• Students use technology tools to enhance learning, increase productivity, and promote creativity.
• Students use productivity tools to work collaboratively in developing technology-rich, authentic, student-centered products.

• Students use appropriate technology to locate, evaluate, and collect information from a variety of sources.
• Students use technology tools to process data and report results.
• Students evaluate and select new information resources and technological innovations based on the appropriateness to specific tasks.

• Students understand the ethical, cultural, and societal issues related to technology.
• Students practice responsible use of technology systems, information, and software.
• Students develop positive attitudes toward technology uses that support lifelong learning, collaboration, personal pursuits, and productivity.

• Students demonstrate a sound understanding of the nature and operation of technology systems.
• Students are proficient in the use of technology.

• Discuss common uses of technology in daily life and the advantages and disadvantages those uses provide.
• Discuss basic issues related to responsible use of technology and information; and describe personal consequences of inappropriate use.
• Use a variety of developmentally appropriate resources and productivity tools for communication, presentation, and illustration of thoughts, ideas, and stories.
• Use technology tools for individual and for simple collaborative writing, communication, and publishing activities for a variety of audiences.
• Utilize search strategies employing keywords, phrases, and Boolean operators to access and retrieve information.
• Evaluate electronic information for accuracy, relevance, appropriateness, comprehensiveness, and bias.
• Use technology resources to assist in problem-solving, self-directed learning, and extended learning activities.

• Use information, media, and technology in a responsible manner which includes following the school’s acceptable use policy, adhering to copyright laws, respecting the rights of others, and employing proper etiquette in all forms of communication.
• Recognize the importance of information technology and its effect on the workplace and society.
• Use multimedia tools and desktop publishing to develop and present computer-generated projects for directed and independent learning activities.
• Use technology tools to gather information for problem solving, communication, collaborative writing and publishing to create products for various audiences.
• Understand Internet concepts (e.g., website, hypertext link, bookmarks, URL addresses) and apply intermediate on-line searching techniques (e.g., employ keyword, phrases, and Boolean Operators).
• Use telecommunications and online resources efficiently and effectively to collaborate with peers, experts, and others to investigate curriculum-related problems, issues, and information and to develop solutions or products for various audiences.
• Determine when technology is useful and select the appropriate tool(s) and technology resources to address a variety of tasks and problems.
• Research and evaluate the accuracy, relevance, appropriateness, comprehensiveness, and bias of electronic information.

• Demonstrate knowledge and skills of Internet use and other resources consistent with acceptable use policies including the legal consequences of plagiarism and the need for authenticity in student work through an understanding of copyright issues.
• Demonstrate and advocate legal and ethical behaviors among peers, family, and community regarding the use of technology and information.
• Refine knowledge and enhance skills in keyboarding, word processing, desktop publishing, spreadsheets, databases, multimedia, and telecommunications in preparing and presenting classroom projects.
• Use appropriate technology to locate, retrieve, organize, analyze, evaluate, and communicate information for problem solving and decision-making.
• Evaluate the usage of technology and the processes involved during and upon completion of individual and group projects.

Student Objectives

The learner will:

1. Research various topics about hurricanes (history and naming, ideal conditions, life cycles and stages, scales and rating systems, tracking and forecasting, safety issues, and terminology) using the Internet.
2. Analyze the validity of the sources.
3. Assess each piece of gathered information and determine what information would enhance residents' understanding of hurricanes in order to help them make informed decisions when preparing for future hurricanes.
4. Understand how the atmosphere interacts with the hydrosphere to create tropical storms.
5. Identify the source of energy for a hurricane and explain its life cycle.
6. Compare and contrast past hurricanes in terms of cost, damage, and strength
7. Understand how and why hurricanes are named
8. Illustrate how an understanding of hurricane rating systems helps people make wise-decisions in the event of an approaching storm
9. Describe the impact of technology on the study of hurricanes.
10. Explain and identify safety precautions for before, during, and after the presence of a hurricane.
11. Evaluate the dynamic interaction of land, water, and air and its relationship to living things in maintaining a healthy environment.
12. Understand that change is a fundamental characteristic of every ecosystem and that ecosystems have varying capacities for change and recovery.
13. Research and communicate how environmental policy is affected by economic considerations.
14. Analyze and assess the trade-off of protected residential and commercial property and the loss of coastal wetlands.
15. Summarize information using correct grammar and spelling.
16. Work cooperatively with teammates.
17. Design and create an informational multimedia presentation (using Power Point) that is interesting, engaging, accurate, and informative.
18. Present a 10-15 multimedia presentation to classmates using effective presentation skills (oral and visual) as stated in project rubric.