Task Overview

In this task, you will explore the Human Settlement & Migration Simulator to investigate how natural resources, natural hazards, and climate change influence human activity and migration. You will analyze historical and modern scenarios to construct an evidence-based explanation.

Estimated Time: 45-60 minutes Materials: Computer with internet access, Human Settlement & Migration Simulator


1. Engage: Phenomena Observation

Observe the anchoring phenomenon: Historically, human populations have clustered around vital resources, but natural disasters and long-term climate shifts repeatedly force mass migrations.

  1. What factors do you think pull humans toward a specific region? _____
  2. What natural events might push a population to leave their established settlements? _____

2. Explore: Gathering Data

Open the Human Settlement & Migration Simulator.

  1. Historical Nile River Valley: Select the “Nile River Valley” scenario and click “Start Sim”. Observe where the population settles. Record the population size after 5 simulation years.
  2. Hazards: Trigger the “River Flood” hazard. Record what happens to the population size and settlement distribution.
  3. Climate Change: Switch to the “Climate Refugees” scenario. Trigger “Sea Level Rise (+1m)” and observe the migration patterns.

Data Collection Table

Scenario / Hazard Initial Population Population After Event Observations on Settlement / Migration
Nile / Baseline _____ _____ _____
Nile / River Flood _____ _____ _____
Refugee / Sea Level _____ _____ _____

3. Explain: Constructing Explanations

Using your data, construct a scientific explanation answering the following prompt: Prompt: How do the availability of natural resources and the occurrence of natural hazards or climate changes influence human activity and migration?

Your explanation must include:





4. Elaborate/Evaluate: Extension & Assessment

Extension

Explore the “Dust Bowl” scenario and trigger the “Severe Drought” hazard. How does this historical event compare to the modern “Climate Refugee” scenario in terms of the scale and causes of migration? ___ _______

Student Deliverable

Submit your completed Data Collection Table and your constructed explanation (Claim, Evidence, Reasoning).


Teacher Notes

NGSS Alignment:

Evidence Statement Mapping: