InTeGrate Modules and Courses >Water Science and Society > Student Materials > Section 2: Physical Hydrology > Module 4: Flood and Drought > Formative Assessment 1: Peak Flow Data
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These materials are part of a collection of classroom-tested modules and courses developed by InTeGrate. The materials engage students in understanding the earth system as it intertwines with key societal issues. The collection is freely available and ready to be adapted by undergraduate educators across a range of courses including: general education or majors courses in Earth-focused disciplines such as geoscience or environmental science, social science, engineering, and other sciences, as well as courses for interdisciplinary programs.
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Initial Publication Date: March 31, 2017

Formative Assessment 1: Peak Flow Data

Instructions

Answer each question in 2-3 complete sentences. Consider each question carefully and be sure to provide a complete answer.

Questions

  1. Determine which of the following should be considered forecasts versus predictions:
    1. The peak flow of the Mississippi River in St. Louis, MO next year
    2. Weather in Charleston, SC tomorrow
    3. Mean global temperature in 2100
  2. Why do you think flood magnitude histograms (and associated probability density functions) like Figure 4 above are typically right skewed (i.e., have a long tail to the right side of the plot, as opposed to a bell curve which has the mean, median and mode in the middle and symmetrical tails on each side)? What does this say about how these systems function?

Worksheet

Download the worksheet (Microsoft Word 2007 (.docx) 183kB Mar28 17) used when submitting your assessment.

Grading and Rubric

Each answer will earn a maximum of 5 points, as described in the rubric below.

Rubric
Work ShownPossible Points
Answer reflects careful consideration of the questions2
Answer is appropriate in length1
Answer is legible1
Answer given in complete sentences; correct spelling and grammar1

Submitting your Answers

Bring your written answers to class. If they are hand-written, be sure your writing is legible. If your handwriting is not clear, please type and print your answers.

These materials are part of a collection of classroom-tested modules and courses developed by InTeGrate. The materials engage students in understanding the earth system as it intertwines with key societal issues. The collection is freely available and ready to be adapted by undergraduate educators across a range of courses including: general education or majors courses in Earth-focused disciplines such as geoscience or environmental science, social science, engineering, and other sciences, as well as courses for interdisciplinary programs.
Explore the Collection »