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1. Team Assignments Read the Knowledge Building Rubric.

We have read the knowledge building rubric and have discussed how we will try to increase our rubric rating to the next level of analysis.

2. Brainstorm a list of questions you think you need to answer to understand the scenario.

• Raul Gracia A - What does the current data show regarding ocean temperatures and their changes in the past 10 years?

• Raul Gracia B - Which cities have been affected the most by strong hurricanes?

• Shannon A – Now with satellites and technology what efforts are put in place to warn residents?

• Shannon B – In the 20th century, how many hurricanes hit the US?

• Jose A – What was the most intense hurricane to strike the US? 

• Jose B – How often do major hurricanes hit the US?

• Patricia A – How many hurricanes have occurred in Texas?

• Patricia B – What was the worst hurricane in Texas?

• Gladys A – What causes these hurricane to so severe?

• Gladys B - What can we do to be prepared for a hurricane like the one that hit Galveston? 

3. Post your questions in Discussion Space. (post to wiki - Shannon)

Questions and Research have been posted in the following page:  http://butleratutb.pbworks.com/w/page/47708778/Galveston%20Research

4. Review your teammates' questions.

In this assignment our team has chosen to contribute asynchronously via email and wiki to provide questions and devise a plan to investigate the scenario further.

5. List the key questions and plan how to investigate them as a team.

Possible Key Questions:

•   What does the current data show regarding ocean temperatures and their changes in the past 10 years?
•   What are the conditions that cause wind shear necessary to stump the growth of hurricanes?
•   What are the historical paths of higher category 5 hurricanes?
•   Which cities have been affected the most by strong hurricanes?
•   Can specific weather patterns be pinpointed that contribute to busy hurricane seasons?
•   What does Galveston’s current hurricane preparedness plan look like?
•   What is Galveston’s current infrastructure in place to prevent major damage from a hurricane direct hit?
• What was the most intense hurricane to strike the US?
• How often do major hurricanes hit the US?
• What is the busiest month in the US for major hurricane hits? 

We have decided to divide the questions up equally. Each team member will research their questions and post their findings to our group wiki page by midnight, Saturday November 5th. The answers will be emailed to Shannon and she will post them to the wiki by Sunday at 9 am. After this task is completed we will then upload our findings individually on the ESSEA site.

** We will also find hands on lesson ideas - videos, field studies, books, journal articles, websites, etc. to support our answers.

6. List answers to your questions as you build knowledge together.

Answers to the questions have been posted by each individual team member in the scenario research page and we have also compiled a master file that will be uploaded by each of us to the ESSEA course module Cycle A Team Assignment. 

7. By the end of the cycle, develop a team problem statement and post it in Discussion Space.

• Raul Gracia - Possible Problem Statement - After researching and compiling expert and critical data analysis on the intensity and frequency of hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico, our team will present data and propose policy to bring to light the possibility of more frequent and intense hurricanes in the future. We will also try to minimize the possibilities of catastrophic losses in cities such as Galveston by presenting proactive preparedness plans and changes to infrastructure and topography in areas that might be affected by these future hurricanes.

• Possible Conclusion - After collaborating we have concluded that various resources have supported our theories on the need for hurricane prone cities to maintain precise emergency preparation and evacuation plans as well as invest in infrastructure that will minimize loss of life and destruction in the event of a major hurricane. 
• Shannon Reynolds - Possible Problem Statement - After more research and comparison of land and weather, findings could better help residents of hurricane stricken areas. Including technological tools for examples warning devices, satellites, etc. In addition, what tools are available to help people prepare such disasters.
• Patrisha Ramirez-Possible Problem Statement- After researching how many hurricanes have struck Texas it is important to analyze how El Nino affects our coastal waters. 

8. Upload assignment to your Portfolio (ESSEA) for a grade.

After compiling all of the information into one file, our team assignment will be uploaded by each individual member into their own ESSEA Portfolio by the due date.