008 - Safest State to Live (Optional Lesson)

Debatable Question

The US is prone to many natural disasters and as a result it is unsafe to live there. Discuss

Key Terminology

• Opportunities
• Challenges
• Management
• Diurnal
• Social factors
• Economic factors
• Environmental factors

We will be defining and using the words above throughout the lesson but if you are unsure of their meaning click on the links below:

• Opportunities
• Challenge
• Management
• GCSE Bitesize - Geographic Factors

Activity One - Definitions

1. Define the words opportunities and challenges.
2. With the person next to you discuss whether the words below could be an opportunity or challenge. Make sure you can justify your answer.

Activity Two - Research and Record

Where is the safest place to live in the USA?

Each team member will be given a specific hazard to investigate and will record their findings on an information sheet. Once each team member has completed their investigation the group will decide which is the safest State to live in. The team will need to be convincing as you will be presenting your findings to the whole class. Each team will be focusing on four key hazards:

1. Drought
2. Floods
3. Tornadoes
4. Plate tectonics - volcanoes and earthquakes

Things to investigate:

• Where the natural hazard is most likely to hit.
• What type of damage has the hazard caused in recent years?
• Has there been any opportunities created by the hazard?

Remember geographers use data to illustrate their points, examples or case studies are crucial in illustrating your claims.

How will I be assessed?

Activity Three - Critically Think

Now you have researched the key natural hazards in the USA, which State is the safest to live in and why?

How will we present our findings?

• A2 Poster board to record the information
• Use choropleth mapping to illustrate where the hazards occur or the cost of them
• Summary table to illustrate the geographic factors of the safest State
• Clear argument to convince the class which State is the safest to live in
• 5 minute presentation

How will I be assessed?

Resources