Topic: People, Place, and Environment: Exploring the Physical Processes and Impact of Natural Disasters in Venice

Desired Outcome: Students will be able to describe the physical processes of a natural disaster and discuss its impact on people and the landscape, with a specific focus on Venice.

Duration: 4-6 weeks

Week 1: Introduction to Natural Disasters and Venice - Introduce the topic of natural disasters and their impact on people and the environment. - Discuss the unique geographical features of Venice and its vulnerability to natural disasters. - Engage students in a class discussion on the importance of understanding the physical processes of natural disasters.

Week 2: Types of Natural Disasters - Explore different types of natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes, and storms. - Discuss the causes and effects of each type of disaster. - Analyze case studies of natural disasters that have occurred in Venice in the past.

Week 3: Physical Processes of Natural Disasters - Focus on the physical processes involved in natural disasters, such as the formation of floods or the movement of tectonic plates. - Conduct experiments and simulations to help students understand these processes. - Encourage students to research and present on a specific natural disaster process.

Week 4: Impact on People and the Landscape - Investigate the impact of natural disasters on the people and landscape of Venice. - Analyze primary and secondary sources, including interviews, photographs, and videos, to understand the experiences of individuals affected by natural disasters. - Discuss the short-term and long-term effects on the environment and the measures taken to mitigate future disasters.

Week 5: Case Study: The 1966 Flood in Venice - Focus on the 1966 flood in Venice as a case study. - Analyze the causes, effects, and responses to the flood. - Engage students in a group project to create a presentation or display showcasing their findings.

Week 6: Reflection and Evaluation - Reflect on the learning journey throughout the topic. - Evaluate students’ understanding of the physical processes of natural disasters and their impact on people and the landscape. - Encourage students to share their thoughts on how the knowledge gained can be applied to other regions prone to natural disasters.

Assessment: - Formative assessments: Class discussions, group projects, and presentations. - Summative assessment: A written assignment or exam where students describe the physical processes of a natural disaster and discuss its impact on people and the landscape, with a focus on Venice.

Resources: - Textbooks and online resources on natural disasters and Venice. - Primary and secondary sources related to the 1966 flood in Venice. - Experiment materials for simulating natural disaster processes. - Maps, photographs, and videos showcasing the physical features of Venice and the impact of natural disasters.