Jigsaw Research on Managing Extreme Conditions
Students become experts on different aspects of managing extreme weather conditions and teach their findings to classmates through collaborative jigsaw methodology
Jigsaw Method
Research Skills
Expert Learning
Learning Objectives
Research and analyze different strategies for managing extreme weather
Develop expertise in specific aspects of disaster management
Practice teaching and explaining complex concepts to peers
Understand interconnections between different management strategies
Evaluate effectiveness of various approaches to extreme weather
Activity Details
Duration:4-5 class periods (45 minutes each)
Group Size:Expert groups: 4-5 students
Jigsaw groups: 4-5 students
Jigsaw groups: 4-5 students
Difficulty:
Subject Integration:Science, Technology, Language Arts
Expert Group Topics
Five specialized research areas for expert groups
Group 1: Early Warning Systems
- • Weather monitoring technology
- • Communication networks
- • Alert systems and protocols
- • Caribbean hurricane tracking
Group 2: Infrastructure Protection
- • Building codes and standards
- • Flood barriers and drainage
- • Power grid resilience
- • Transportation safety measures
Group 3: Emergency Response
- • Evacuation procedures
- • Emergency services coordination
- • Shelter management
- • Search and rescue operations
Group 4: Community Preparedness
- • Public education campaigns
- • Emergency supply planning
- • Community drills and training
- • Vulnerable population support
Group 5: Recovery and Adaptation
- • Post-disaster reconstruction
- • Economic recovery strategies
- • Climate adaptation planning
- • Building back better principles
Materials Needed
Research Resources:
- • Computers/tablets with internet access
- • Research databases and websites
- • Case study materials
- • Government emergency management resources
- • Scientific articles and reports
Activity Materials:
- • Expert group research guides
- • Jigsaw teaching templates
- • Presentation materials (poster paper, markers)
- • Evaluation rubrics and peer assessment forms
- • Final synthesis worksheets
Activity Procedure
Detailed implementation of the jigsaw research methodology
Phase 1: Introduction and Group Formation (Day 1)
Activity Introduction (15 minutes)
- • Explain the jigsaw method and its benefits
- • Introduce the five expert topics
- • Discuss the importance of comprehensive disaster management
- • Set expectations for research quality and teaching
Group Formation and Topic Assignment (15 minutes)
- • Form expert groups of 4-5 students each
- • Assign or allow groups to choose their specialty topic
- • Distribute research guides and resource lists
- • Plan jigsaw group compositions for later phases
Initial Research Planning (15 minutes)
- • Review research questions and objectives
- • Divide research tasks among group members
- • Identify key resources and case studies to investigate
- • Set timeline for research completion
Phase 2: Expert Group Research (Days 2-3)
Deep Research Phase (Day 2 - 40 minutes)
- • Conduct thorough research on assigned topic
- • Focus on Caribbean examples and case studies
- • Gather data, statistics, and real-world examples
- • Document sources and verify information accuracy
Synthesis and Teaching Preparation (Day 3 - 35 minutes)
- • Synthesize research findings into key points
- • Create teaching materials and visual aids
- • Practice explaining concepts clearly and simply
- • Prepare examples and analogies for peer teaching
Expert Group Rehearsal (Day 3 - 10 minutes)
- • Practice teaching within expert group
- • Provide feedback on clarity and completeness
- • Refine presentation based on peer input
Phase 3: Jigsaw Teaching (Day 4)
Jigsaw Group Formation (5 minutes)
- • Form new groups with one expert from each topic area
- • Ensure each jigsaw group has all five expertise areas
- • Distribute learning templates for note-taking
Expert Teaching Rounds (35 minutes)
- • Each expert teaches their topic (7 minutes each)
- • Group members take notes and ask questions
- • Encourage interactive discussion and examples
- • Rotate through all five topic areas
Integration Discussion (5 minutes)
- • Discuss connections between different management aspects
- • Identify overlaps and interdependencies
Phase 4: Synthesis and Application (Day 5)
Comprehensive Management Plan (25 minutes)
- • Jigsaw groups create integrated disaster management plans
- • Combine all five expertise areas into cohesive strategy
- • Focus on a specific Caribbean scenario (hurricane, drought, etc.)
- • Address timeline from preparation through recovery
Plan Presentations (15 minutes)
- • Groups present their integrated management plans
- • Highlight how different expertise areas work together
- • Receive feedback from other groups and teacher
Reflection and Evaluation (5 minutes)
- • Reflect on the jigsaw learning process
- • Evaluate effectiveness of different management strategies
- • Complete peer and self-assessments
Assessment Criteria
Research Quality (25%)
- • Depth and accuracy of research
- • Use of credible sources
- • Relevant examples and case studies
Teaching Effectiveness (25%)
- • Clear explanation of concepts
- • Engaging presentation style
- • Effective use of examples and visuals
Learning and Participation (25%)
- • Active listening and note-taking
- • Thoughtful questions and contributions
- • Understanding of all topic areas
Integration and Synthesis (25%)
- • Comprehensive management plan
- • Understanding of interconnections
- • Creative and practical solutions
Extension Activities
Advanced Research
- • Compare management strategies across different countries
- • Analyze cost-effectiveness of various approaches
- • Research emerging technologies in disaster management
- • Study climate change impacts on extreme weather
Community Connections
- • Interview local emergency management officials
- • Visit emergency operations centers
- • Participate in community preparedness events
- • Create public awareness materials
Action Projects
- • Develop school emergency preparedness plan
- • Create family emergency kits
- • Organize community preparedness workshop
- • Design early warning system for school
Caribbean Context and Regional Focus
Regional Case Studies
Emphasize Caribbean-specific examples and challenges:
- • Hurricane preparedness in small island states
- • Drought management in water-scarce regions
- • Coastal flooding and sea-level rise adaptation
- • Regional cooperation through CDEMA and CARICOM
- • Tourism industry resilience and recovery
Traditional and Modern Integration
- • Combine traditional knowledge with modern technology
- • Study indigenous adaptation strategies
- • Examine community-based disaster risk reduction
- • Highlight successful regional cooperation examples