Disaster Shapes
Science
Students will examine shapes that are associated with specific natural disasters (i.e. funnel shape for volcano, zigzag for lightning) and then create a mobile based on this theme.
What You Need
- Nonfiction books with illustrations of volcanoes, tornadoes, hurricanes, and lightning
- Oaktag
- Colored markers, paints, crayons
- Metal hangers
- Yarn
- Tape
What to Do
- Brainstorm with students a list of natural disasters. Then explain to students that they are going to closely examine the shapes that are associated with some natural elements that can cause disasters.
- Have students look through books and magazines for illustrations of different kinds of natural hazards. Then have them discuss the shapes and forms they recognize in these pictures. Here are some examples that students might recognize:
- the zigzag or river-like patterns of lightning
- the funnel shape of a tornado
- the triangular shape of a volcano's cone
- the spiral shape of a hurricane (can only be seen in photos)
- Divide students into small groups, and have each group choose one natural disaster shape (that has been discussed) as the theme for a mobile. Have students draw a picture(s) of the disaster shape on oaktag. Then have them think of other things in nature with the same shape and draw those on oaktag too. Here are some examples to get students started:
- A snail's shell and a snake have the spiral shape of a hurricane.
- The web of some spiders and a lily have the funnel shape of a tornado.
- Some kinds of leaves and ant hills have the triangular shape of a volcano's cone.
- Some rivers and tree branches have the zigzag shape of lightning.
- Have students attach their oaktag pictures to yarn and tape them to a coat hanger to complete the mobile.