Environmental Science - Natural Disasters

Environmental Science - Quarter 3, Module 2

• This module explains the causes and effects of natural disasters on humans and their environment.
• The module follows the standard course sequence.
• Students are expected to understand the causes and effects of natural disasters on humans and the environment.

What I Need to Know

• The module is designed to help students learn about natural disasters and their effects.
• The language used is appropriate for different learning levels.

What I Know (page 6)

• Students are to create an information chart about natural disasters.
• The chart should include an introduction, information sheet on earthquakes, floods, typhoons, and volcanic eruptions.
• A concluding statement should be included.

Lesson 1: Causes and Effects of Natural Disasters (page 7)

• Students learned about pollutants in a previous lesson.
• Pollutants harm the environment and humans.

What's New (page 8)

• Natural disasters can be categorized as natural or man-made.
• Common natural disasters include thunderstorms, severe rainfalls, cyclones, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and floods.
• Natural disasters lead to loss of life and destruction of property.

What Is It (page 9)

• Natural disasters have atmospheric, geological, and hydrological origins.
• UNISDR definitions include loss of life, injury, damage to property, loss of livelihoods, and environmental damage.
• Mitigation measures can minimize loss.
• Philippines has resources like PAGASA and PHIVOLCS for warnings.
• Some common disasters include floods and are due to excessive water in rivers and streams overflowing banks.

Cause of Earthquakes (page 11)

• Earthquakes occur due to an imbalance in the Earth's crust.
• Other causes include volcanic eruptions, faulting, and folding, plus internal pressure.

Effects of Earthquakes (page 11)

• Earthquakes cause landslides and debris falls; damage to buildings, roads, rails, factories, and bridges.
• Government infrastructure can be severely damaged.
• Fire hazards, landmass deformations, and flash floods are also possible effects.
• Tsunamis can be generated resulting in loss of life and property.

Cause of Typhoons (page 11)

• Typhoons are low pressure systems over warm waters of greater than 26°C in the northwest Pacific basin.
• Factors that influence typhoon development include warm ocean water, a stable atmosphere, and moist air.

Effects of Typhoons (page 11)

• Typhoons lead to flooding, destruction of livestock (when exposed), and possible soil erosion when extreme rain causes issues.

Disaster Risk Reduction and Management in the Philippines (page 12)

• Philippines is geographically prone to disasters.
• Tropical cyclones, floods, and other hydro-meteorological perils cause widespread damage and casualties.

Disaster Response (page 13)

• Institutional mechanisms for response operations and improved skills in search, rescue and retrieval are needed.

Activity 1: Matching Disaster (page 13)

• Students are to match the name of a natural disaster with its appropriate illustration.

Guide Questions (page 14)

• Students are asked to define natural disasters, as well as give examples.

Assessment (page 18)

• Multiple choice questions regarding natural disasters (causes and effects).

Additional Activities (page 20)

• Students are tasked to make an information flyer about natural disasters, causes, effects, and prevention.