What's a Sinkhole?
ACTIVITY
Sinkholes are quite common in west central Florida. To introduce the students to this common occurrence, a teacher could use the map of Hernando County sinkholes from 1948 - 2007. Start out by describing a sinkhole, determining what the causes are, if there is anything to prevent it, and monitor it. Include the current insurance coverage laws and tracking. Then, have students create an i-movie combining this information. This could be a small group project. Students can interview real-life affected homeowners, create a prevention video, or prepare a video lecture for next year's class to watch. Be sure each video contains the information listed above.
Standards this activity addresses:
- Grades 9-12 (1996 Standards)
- Strand D - Processes that Shape the Earth
- 1. The student recognizes that processes in the lithosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere and biosphere, interact to shape the Earth. (SC.D.1.4) BM 3
- 2. The student understands the need for protection of the natural systems on Earth. (SC.D.2.4) BM 1
- Strand E - Earth and Space
- 2. The student recognizes the vastness of space and Earth's place in it. (SC.E.2.4) BM 7
- Strand H - The Nature of Science
- 1. The student uses the scientific processes and habits of mind to solve problems. (SC.H.1.4) BM 1, 2, 3, 4, 7
- 3. The student understands that science, technology and society are interwoven and interdependent. (SC.H.3.4) BM 1-6
- Grades 9-12 (2008 Standards)
- Body of Knowledge:
- Nature of Science
- Standard 1 - The Practice of Science SC.912.N.1.1 - N.1.7
- Standard 2 - The Characteristics of Scientific Knowledge SC.912.N.2.5
- Standard 3 - The Role of Theories, Laws, Hypotheses, and Models SC.912.N.3.1 - N.3.5
- Standard 4 - Science and Society SC.912.N.4.1, N.4.2
- Earth and Space Science
- Standard 6 - Earth Structures SC.912.E.6.2, E.6.4
- Life Science
- Standard 17 - Interdependence SC.912.L.17.13, L.17.15