---
title: 5.1.5
description: 5.1.5 Design solutions to reduce the effects of naturally occurring events that impact humans. Define the problem, identify criteria and constraints, develop possible solutions using models, analyze data from testing solutions, and propose modifications for optimizing a solution. Emphasize that humans cannot eliminate natural hazards, but they can take steps to reduce their impacts.
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---

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# 5.1.5

Design solutions to reduce the effects of naturally occurring events that impact humans. Define the problem, identify criteria and constraints, develop possible solutions using models, analyze data from testing solutions, and propose modifications for optimizing a solution. Emphasize that humans cannot eliminate natural hazards, but they can take steps to reduce their impacts.

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 Science & Engineering Practices

- [Developing and using models](https://www.knowatom.com/developing-and-using-models)
- [Planning and carrying out investigations](https://www.knowatom.com/planning-and-carrying-out-investigations)
- [Constructing explanations and designing solutions](https://www.knowatom.com/constructing-explanations-and-designing-solutions)
- [Engaging in argument from evidence](https://www.knowatom.com/engaging-in-argument-from-evidence)
- [Obtaining evaluating and communicating information](https://www.knowatom.com/obtaining-evaluating-and-communicating-information)

 Disciplinary Core Ideas

- [Weather and Climate](https://www.knowatom.com/weather-and-climate)
- [Conservation of Energy and Energy Transfer](https://www.knowatom.com/conservation-of-energy-and-energy-transfer)

 Crosscutting Concepts

- [Patterns](https://www.knowatom.com/patterns)
- [Cause and Effect](https://www.knowatom.com/cause-and-effect)

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## Browse 5.1.5 Lesson Plans

Grade Ranges All K-2 3-5 6-8

<https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/4th-grade-science/engineering-permeable-concrete>

[![](https://www.knowatom.com/hubfs/image3-Oct-07-2023-03-07-17-7183-PM.png) 

](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/4th-grade-science/engineering-permeable-concrete)

## [Engineering Permeable Concrete In this unit, students explore the science phenomena of Earth systems by studying aquifers, comparing the ability of different Earth materials to hold water. In this lesson, they build on that knowledge to engineer permeable pavement that can solve the problems of urban flooding and water pollution. This page showcases key components of this lesson. ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/4th-grade-science/engineering-permeable-concrete)

[ VIEW LESSON ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/4th-grade-science/engineering-permeable-concrete)

<https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/3rd-grade-science/flood-control-engineering>

[![](https://www.knowatom.com/hubfs/image4-Oct-07-2023-11-58-00-9482-AM.png) 

](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/3rd-grade-science/flood-control-engineering)

## [Flood Control Engineering In this unit, students discover how the sun provides light and heat to Earth and how the water cycle influences weather and climate. Students analyze weather patterns in specific regions during a particular season. They then use that knowledge to study the effects of extreme weather on humans, evaluating solutions to protect against those effects. ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/3rd-grade-science/flood-control-engineering)

[ VIEW LESSON ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/3rd-grade-science/flood-control-engineering)

<https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/5th-grade-science/earths-interacting-systems>

[![](https://www.knowatom.com/hubfs/image3-Oct-08-2023-11-09-11-0136-AM.png) 

](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/5th-grade-science/earths-interacting-systems)

## [Earth's Interacting Systems In this unit, students analyze the science phenomena of the important role that oceans play in regulating Earth’s climate. In this lesson, they focus on how oceans interact with other Earth systems to distribute water and heat around the planet, resulting in various weather patterns, including hurricanes. This page highlights key components of this lesson.](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/5th-grade-science/earths-interacting-systems)

[ VIEW LESSON ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/5th-grade-science/earths-interacting-systems)

Standards citation: NGSS Lead States. 2013. *Next Generation Science Standards: For States, By State*s. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. Neither WestEd nor the lead states and partners that developed the Next Generation Science Standards were involved in the production of this product, and do not endorse it.

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