Faults Ruin Dream of Home

Summary

Students will read an article about a geologic hazard and decisions made on homebuilding. They will "Investigate and report possible reasons why the best engineering or ecological practices are not always followed in making decisions about building roads, dams, and other structures." (State Core, 4d)

Materials

• Copies of "Faults Ruin Dream of Home" (article attached). The Salt Lake Tribune has given us permission to use this article as long as the name of the author and the name of the Tribune remain.
• Role cards (attached) if Activity #1 is chosen.

Background for Teachers

Time needed will vary depending on activity choices.

Instructional Procedures

Activity 1. Have students read the article and dramatize the events.

1. Assign roles for students. They would include: Homebuyer, Real Estate sellers, Geologists, Bankers, Draper Planning and zoning office, Draper Mayor, Real Estate developer. Each role has a card printed below. Place the name of the role on one side and glue the job description to the other.
2. Students should be in a group (size may vary), given time to prepare the dialog that addresses why they should not be sued and what should be done about the problem.
3. Have one student represent each to the class in a "courtroom". The teacher should be the judge. You can have the class vote for what percentage of responsibility each group may have after they have presented their arguments.

Activity 2. Have students read the article, underline pertinent statements and write a paragraph answering the question:

"What are possible reasons why the best engineering or ecological practices are not always followed in making decisions about building roads, dams, and other structures."

Activity 3. Have students read the article, discuss it in a small group and write a group statement answering the question above.

Activity 4. Students could make a checklist for home buyers to use with questions that home buyers should ask before buying.

Assessment Plan

Scoring Guide:

1. Students demonstrate understanding of article……………………….4
2. Students use time well…………………………………………………..4

Bibliography

Lesson Design by Jordan School District Teachers and Staff.