Unit 1, Week 1, Disasters in Iowa

Your goal during the first three days is to make sure all of you will know how to do the following tasks.   Students who feel ready to be assessed for understanding need to see ::mapowell:: Don't worry if you aren't working on the same task as others.   Your group knows what you need.
My goal is to help as needed.  You don't need a babysitter, but you may need some help in figuring out where to start and how to deal with confusion.   Help one another and listen when I try to help you. 




Task 1  Learning about Landforms

We really need to get a start by looking at the bits and pieces that plate tectonics have caused in the world in order to understand Iowa.   Upon completion, you should be able to make a map of Iowa and surrounding states and label the nearest plate, as well as 20 landform pieces. (no, not 20 different landform pieces...Iowa doesn't have any mesas that I know about)

Task 2 Heat Transfer

We need to look at heat transfer as a way that weather moves and energy inside the earth moves.   Take a look at the questions being asked here to see if you understand what is happening.

Task 3 Earthquakes and the Midwest.   We need to take a look at what our chances our of getting a sizable quake in the area in which we live.  To do this, you will need to do some research, starting with the information found here and here.  Map the Earthquake fault zones on your diagram from Task 1, shading in the impact zone.  As you look through this information, you will need to start deciding what you believe to be true and what you believe to be false, because there is conflicting information.  Does heat transfer matter in earthquakes?  If so, how does it matter?  Do land form types affect whether or not an earthquake occurs(compare with other earthquake zones around the world)?  Do plate tectonics matter for earthquakes or volcanoes in all cases? Do you have strong evidence to support your viewpoint?  By Wednesday, you need to have a poster or digital representation of your ideas that is visible from a distance of 3 feet or greater.