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

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