Sunday, May 20, 2012
To help students to become scientifically literate citizens, reading the news is one way to make them more aware. They can use a news paper or online resources to learn about the natural disasters that happen around the world. Giving students an opportunity to compare disaster that are happening now to those that have already happened will give them more understanding about certain disasters. For example, students that have been through a hurricane such as Isabelle, which was only a category 1 storm when it hit the tide water area have a reference point to be able to compare other hurricanes that are different categories.
Having students explore where relieve efforts come from within a community can also help them have a better understanding of the effects of a natural disaster. Allowing students to talk to people who volunteer or work to keep the help ready can give students an idea of how life changing a natural disaster can be. A project for students could be to help a organization be prepared for providing relief after a natural disaster. Students could also create a plan for helping others after a natural disaster to support their community. This experience would be a very real life experience that will offer meaningful learning about natural disasters.
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Jennifer,
ReplyDeleteI agree that students who have been through an ordeal such as a natural disaster look at them in a whole new light rather than those who merely study them in classroom. Using current events is a great way for students to get a different perspective and be up to date on happenings in the world. Using data regarding natural disasters that have happened in the past gives them the experience that real scientists go through in their studies. The reason why we have better warning system/predictions and better knowledge of natural disasters is because of the collaborative efforts of scientists in sharing data and analyzing it together. Teaching students to do this in the classroom is a very important part of our job.
I agree with you that the reason we have warning systems, buildings that can with stand natural disasters, and strategies for surviving disasters is because scientist and people collaborated. Teaching students early to do the same will help them prepare to make positive changes. Another important skills is sharing ideas and listening to others peoples ideas. There are countless changes in technology and science that started with an idea that someone wasn't sure it made sense or thought was impossible. Working together and getting different perspectives helps new ideas and advances come together.
DeleteJennifer-
ReplyDeleteThat is a great idea to bring in people who have been there to support disasters. Living in the DC area, there are so many organizations that deal with disaster relief. In fact, one of my friends went to Haiti himself. Great idea!