Activity Overview
There are so many types of natural disasters that it can be difficult for students to focus on every single one of them. In this activity, students will create a spider map that identifies and illustrates at least six natural disasters. This activity can easily be adjusted to fit the needs of your students and how many disasters you would like them to focus on.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Identify and describe six natural disasters in a spider map storyboard.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify six different natural disasters and write them as the titles of the cells.
- Find an image using photos for class to represent each one.
- Write a description of each one in the description box underneath the cell.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 25 Points | Emerging 13 Points | Beginning 0 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Identification | Six different types of natural disaster have been correctly identified. | At least four different types of natural disaster have been correctly identified. | At least three different types of natural disaster have been correctly identified. |
| Images | Every type of natural disaster has a correct, clear, and appropriate picture. | Every type of natural disaster has a picture, but some of them are not clear or appropriate for the term. | Not every type of natural disaster type has an image. |
| Description | Every type of natural disaster identified has a correct and clear description. | Every type of natural disaster identified has a description, but some are confused and not entirely correct. | Not every type of natural disaster has a description or most of the descriptions are incorrect. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
Activity Overview
There are so many types of natural disasters that it can be difficult for students to focus on every single one of them. In this activity, students will create a spider map that identifies and illustrates at least six natural disasters. This activity can easily be adjusted to fit the needs of your students and how many disasters you would like them to focus on.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Identify and describe six natural disasters in a spider map storyboard.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify six different natural disasters and write them as the titles of the cells.
- Find an image using photos for class to represent each one.
- Write a description of each one in the description box underneath the cell.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 25 Points | Emerging 13 Points | Beginning 0 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Identification | Six different types of natural disaster have been correctly identified. | At least four different types of natural disaster have been correctly identified. | At least three different types of natural disaster have been correctly identified. |
| Images | Every type of natural disaster has a correct, clear, and appropriate picture. | Every type of natural disaster has a picture, but some of them are not clear or appropriate for the term. | Not every type of natural disaster type has an image. |
| Description | Every type of natural disaster identified has a correct and clear description. | Every type of natural disaster identified has a description, but some are confused and not entirely correct. | Not every type of natural disaster has a description or most of the descriptions are incorrect. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
How Tos about Types of Natural Disasters
How to facilitate a class discussion about natural disasters after the spider map activity
Encourage students to share their spider maps with the class and explain their choices. Class discussions help students process information, make connections, and learn from each other’s perspectives.
Prompt students with open-ended questions about their chosen disasters
Ask questions like, “Which natural disaster do you think is most dangerous, and why?” or “Have you or someone you know experienced one of these disasters?” This approach deepens understanding and encourages personal connections.
Guide students to compare and contrast different natural disasters
Help students identify similarities and differences among disasters, such as causes, effects, or locations. Comparing develops critical thinking and helps students organize information logically.
Summarize key takeaways as a class
Ask students to share one new fact or insight they learned during the discussion. Summarizing reinforces knowledge and lets you assess understanding quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions about Types of Natural Disasters
What are some examples of natural disasters for students to learn about?
Examples of natural disasters include earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, wildfires, tornadoes, and tsunamis. Teaching students about these helps them understand the causes and effects of extreme natural events.
How can I teach natural disasters to elementary students in an engaging way?
Using a spider map activity is an engaging method. Students identify, illustrate, and describe different natural disasters, which supports visual learning and helps them organize information effectively.
What is a spider map and how does it help with learning about natural disasters?
A spider map is a graphic organizer where students place a central topic in the middle and branch out to related ideas. For natural disasters, it helps students visually connect types and details about each disaster.
Why is it important for students to learn about different types of natural disasters?
Learning about natural disasters raises awareness, prepares students for emergencies, and builds understanding of how these events impact communities and the environment.
What are some tips for adapting a natural disasters lesson for different grade levels?
To adapt, adjust the number of disasters covered, use age-appropriate language, incorporate images for younger grades, and add research or presentation components for older students.
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