Hurricane Katrina Relief

By Bartley Richardson •

Grade Level	9th
Subject Area	Algebra I (Math), English, Science, Social Studies (American History)
Duration	10 70-minute class blocks (approximately two weeks)
Background Knowledge	It is recommended that studnets have some experience with graphing (lines) and should be exposed to reading histograms. They also should have some background (historical) information about New Orleans.
Author	Bartley Richardson

Summary
This lesson was designed as an introductory interdisciplinary lesson for incoming freshmen students. Stemming from the devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina in late 2005, students use knowledge from all of their core classes to research hurricanes (specifically Katrina), learn about hurricane categorization, research and decide on an overall reconstruction plan, and present their plan to the class in the form of a visual aid (poster) and oral presentation. The project requires time given to its completion from multiple classes.

Objectives
1. Students will be able to identify the various tropical storm and hurricane classifications. 2. Students will be able to use a computer to perform directed research on a list of topics. 3. Students will be able to critically determine which aspects of a reconstruction project are more important than others). 4. Students will be able to use data given in tabular form to create a simple histogram. 5. Students will be able to work in small groups to prepare a visual aid (poster) and present their reconstruction plan to the class in the form of an oral presentation.

Mateirals Required
1 – 2 Liter Bottle per group of two, Building Materials (suggested items – all are not necessary), Cardboard, Construction Paper, Duct Tape, Packing Tape, Glue, String, Wire, Fishing Line, Toothpicks, Popsicle sticks, Straws, Bike pump, Tape measure, at least 50 feet (1 or 2 per class), Rocket Launching equipment ( The rocket launching device can be purchased online at http://www.nerdsinc.com/products.aspx?cat=0), Angle measuring device (1 per group) (Made using a protractor, string, a weight, and tape Attach the protractor to the ruler and attach the string so that it hangs straight down (when the ruler is level) at 90°).

Ohio Standards

Mathematics

* Patterns, Functions, and Algebra
o Translate information from one representation (words, table, graph, or equation) to another representation of a relation or function.

English

* Writing Applications
o Use documented textual evidence to justify interpretations of literature or to support a research topic.
* Writing Conventions
o Use correct spelling conventions, punctuation and capitalization.
o Demonstrate understanding of the grammatical conventions of the English language.
* Communication: Oral and Visual
o Give informational presentations that present ideas in a logical sequence, include relevant facts and details from multiple sources and use a consistent organizational structure.
* Research
o Organize information from various resources and select appropriate sources to support central ideas, concepts and themes.

Social Studies

* Geography
o Analyze the cultural, physical, economic and political characteristics that define regions and describe reasons that regions change over time.
* Economics
o Explain how the US government provides public services and promotes economic growth and stability.