Sample work Geography Stage 5: Natural hazards in Australia
Work samples aligned to grades assist teachers to develop their understanding of the achievement standards at each grade level.
Description of activity
Students select and research a natural hazard in Australia, focusing on the impacts of the natural hazard. They then imagine what would happen if the natural hazard occurred in their local area. Students prepare a 2-page (A3) newspaper feature covering the hazard including appropriate background information, graphics, comparisons with similar disasters in Australia and the rest of the world, responses and rescue efforts. Students can use the worksheet below.
Worksheet
Your local area has been affected by a (fictional) natural hazard. As a reporter for your local newspaper you must prepare a 2-page (A3) newspaper feature covering the natural hazard.
Choose one of the following hazards to affect your local area:
- earthquake
- severe storm
- bushfire
- flood
- cyclone
- drought.
Be mindful of the places in Australia where these natural hazards are likely to occur.
The newspaper article must include:
- general reporting of the natural hazard
- pictures of the natural hazard (you can either use generic pictures or be creative and photoshop photos of your local area)
- some background information on how this type of natural hazard happens, including diagrams where necessary
- impacts of the natural hazard on the local area in relation to:
- economy
- environment
- society
- comparisons with similar natural hazards in Australia and the rest of the world
- descriptions of rescue efforts and responses by individuals, groups and governments to help ease the crisis.
Context
Students have studied topic 5A1 Investigating Australia’s Physical Environments. They are able to research and analyse information and apply these skills to an extended study of a natural hazard in Australia.
Outcomes
A student:
- 5.1 identifies, gathers and evaluates geographical information
- 5.2 analyses, organises and synthesises geographical information
- 5.3 selects and uses appropriate written, oral and graphic forms to communicate geographical information
- 5.5 demonstrates a sense of place about Australian environments
- 5.10 applies geographical knowledge, understanding and skills with knowledge of civics to demonstrate informed and active citizenship.
Criteria for assessing learning
(These criteria would normally be communicated to students with the activity.)
Students will be assessed on their ability to:
- identify and gather relevant geographical information
- describe and explain the processes and impacts of a natural hazard
- present their research in a 2-page (A3) newspaper feature incorporating appropriate graphics
- demonstrate a knowledge of civics and citizenship through the role of individuals, groups and governments in times of dealing with a natural hazard.
Graded student work samples
Work sample feedback
Kendall
Kendall has demonstrated thorough knowledge and understanding of a natural hazard in a local area and the importance of civics and citizenship in times of a natural disaster. Knowledge of individual, group and government responses to floods has been incorporated. Relevant geographical information about flooding in a local area is competently communicated, but information about flooding in Australia and globally is missing. This work sample demonstrates characteristics of work typically produced by a student performing at grade B standard.
Jules
Jules has demonstrated thorough knowledge and understanding of a natural hazard in a local area. Relevant geographical information is clearly communicated and presented using appropriate geographical tools such as graphics. An adequate understanding of the importance of civics and citizenship in a time of natural disaster is apparent. This work sample demonstrates characteristics of work typically produced by a student performing at grade B standard.
Reese
Reese has demonstrated a basic knowledge and understanding of a natural hazard. A basic general understanding of geographic processes and the effects of cyclones is evident. The role of individuals, groups or governments in responding to cyclone disasters is not covered well nor any details provided. This work sample demonstrates characteristics of work typically produced by a student performing at grade D standard.