The lesson plans below are designed for use with the giant-screen film Forces of Nature, though they may also be used independently. As with all National Geographic lesson plans, they have been teacher tested and are aligned with the U.S. National Geography Standards.
Note: All PDFs on this page require Adobe Acrobat Reader.
LESSON PLANS RELATED TO THE FILM
Grades Six to Eight
When Natural Hazards Become Human Disasters
Help students better understand natural events and the dangers that they pose to humans. (PDF version 1.7 MB)
Natural Hazards: Same Forces, Different Impacts
Have students consider the threats that natural disasters pose for humans, then compare and contrast two disasters. (PDF version 572 K)
Dealing With Disasters
Encourage students to study potential natural hazards in their community and discuss community preparation and response for a natural disaster. (PDF version 644 K)
Grades Nine to Twelve
Twister Tracking
Using a database of tornado touchdowns, help students learn about, organize, and compare tornadoes in their home state and across the country. (PDF version 620 K)
Earthquakes: A Whole Lot of Quakin' Goin' On!
Have students use one of two scales that scientists use to categorize and compare earthquakes and their intensity. (PDF version 1.2 MB)
Volcano Hazards: Describing a Dangerous Mix
Students work cooperatively to become "volcano hazards experts" in this activity. Groups research dangers from volcanic eruptions and present their work in a variety of formats. (PDF version 780 K)
ACTIVITIES FOR FAMILIES, EDUCATORS, AND MUSEUM-GOERS
Forces of Nature Teacher's Guide
Download a PDF of six lessons created especially for the National Geographic film. (6.7 MB)
Forces of Nature Activity Guide
Print our photo-filled guide, packed with fun, interactive activities based on the National Geographic giant-screen film. (3 MB)
Museum Educator's Guide
Is your museum or theater hosting Forces of Nature? Get ideas here for activities and displays to enhance visitors' experiences.
Forces of Nature Online Education Community
Tap into a new online educators' community (part of National Geographic's Education Network) focusing on the film. Get free educational resources and more. (Free registration required.)
OTHER AVAILABLE LESSONS AND ACTIVITIES
Earthquakes
Activity: The Power of Fire
Grades K-2: The Three Little Pigs in Earthquake Land (Lesson Plan)
Grades 3-5: Earthquakes and Volcanoes (Lesson Plan)
Grades 9-12: What's Up With the Weather? (Lesson Plan)
Volcanoes
Activity: The Power of Fire
Grades 3-5: How Are Islands Formed? (Lesson Plan)
Grades 3-5: Earthquakes and Volcanoes (Lesson Plan)
Grades 9-12: The Ring of Fire (Lesson Plan)
Tornadoes
Grades K-2: What Is a Tornado? (Lesson Plan)
Grades 3-5: Twister! What to Do in a Tornado (Lesson Plan)
Grades 6-8: Tracking Tornadoes (Lesson Plan)
Grades 9-12: Tornadoes and Technology (Lesson Plan)
Hurricanes
Grades 3-5: The Eye of the Hurricane (Lesson Plan)
Disasters and Preparation
Activity: Understanding Disasters (Lesson Plan)
Activity: Stormy Stories (Lesson Plan)
Grades K-2: Prepare Yourself (Lesson Plan)
Grades 3-5: The Active Earth (Lesson Plan)
Grades 6-8: The Impact of Natural Disasters Around the World (Lesson Plan)
Grades 6-8: Natural Hazard Risks in the United States (Lesson Plan)
SPECIAL EDUCATOR DISCOUNT
National Geographic is offering a 35% discount on Forces of Nature-related materials to teachers who bring their classes to see the film! To be eligible for the discount, please attach the receipt for your group ticket sale to your purchase order. You can download a PDF of the available products.
To find out more about these products or to request a catalog, visit www.nationalgeographic.com/education, or call 800 368 2728.
You can place your order by mail at:
National Geographic
School Publishing
P.O. Box 10597
Des Moines, IA 50340-0597
More on Forces of Nature
