In order to develop compassionate citizens about natural disasters, I would have students research a natural disaster that occurred in our state, the eruption of Mt. St. Helens. I would have them research the lives lost, the devastation left behind, and how many people were affected by the eruption. I would also have them research the possibility of another eruption, either at Mt. St. Helens or Mt. Rainier. How would such an eruption impact them? What kind of assistance might we need here in Moses Lake?
This activity could also lead into the study of earthquakes and plate tectonics since we live along the Ring of Fire. Knowing that these disasters could occur where we live should increase students' sensitivity when disasters strike in other areas.
Laurie,
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of having students research topics that are close to home. Although your students were not alive when the devastating event occurred, they probably know neighbors or relatives that can recall, first-hand, what happened that day. Being able to do research online is one thing, but interviewing individuals that lived through such disasters can be an emotional experience for your students. They would definitely have more interest in completing an assignment like this, rather than researching events that took place far away or in another era. Although I was a baby (6 days old) when Mt. St. Helen erupted, I remember learning about it in elementary school and how it was the deadliest volcanic eruption in U.S history. If I can remember such a momentous event, living and growing up out of state, your students will surely recall the experience they had interviewing, researching, and learning about the effects of Mt. St. Helen and how to better prepare themselves if such an event were to occur.
Julius Dichosa
Hi Laurie,
DeleteJulius has an excellent idea! Although it was not quite the same, a cousin of my husband's interviewed my husband's grandfather about WWII and recorded it via a video camera for a school project. Not only was it a project that deeply influenced my husband's cousin, but we now have an interview that shows a side of my husband's grandfather that the family never knew. We won't be showing it to my son (age 6) for quite some time, but we are so deeply grateful for this school project that reveals both family and history. If this type of project is not possible, consider having the students check out the website at:
http://www.dosomething.org/
which allows students to work together to impact their communities or support larger causes. Amy :)
Amy,
DeleteI was reading your comment to Laurie and wondered if you would feel comfortable/be able to share the video of your husband's grandfather. I am just about to start a unit on WWII and always love to bring in primary sources when I can find them. I just thought I would ask, but please don't feel obligated.
Thank you,
Amy Carter
Laurie,
ReplyDeleteDue to your proximity to Mt. St. Helens, you have an amazing opportunity to engage your students in a disaster that in some way affects them. I love that you had them think into the future and about how their own lives could change due to disaster instead of only reflecting on others' experiences.