Natural disasters have the ability to be far reaching
events. They do not always just
affect the immediate area, but sometimes can have far-reaching and world-wide
impacts. These far reaching
affects are not always the results from that original disaster but could be
caused by all the lateral damage associated with it. Today is a very unique time for teaching children. With the wonders of the internet, we
can now see what is happening around the world at any time. With this access also brings a sense of
closeness to people around the world that previously was non-existent. In a world where people are now only as
far as a push of a button, it builds a sense that we are responsible for
helping these previously unknown people, especially in times of need.
One
way of teaching my students to become more scientifically-literate and also a
compassionate world citizen through the use of NASA’s Earth Observatory
website. http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Images/ This site is a great resource which can
lead to great lessons on different natural disasters. The website shows images of natural disasters around the
world taken with different types of imaging equipment. It shows all the current natural events
that are happening around the world.
By teaching my students about these current natural events, it would
hopefully build interest because it is an event that is currently
happening. These images could then
lead into lessons where students would learn the factors that contribute to
them. By using a variety of easily
found websites, such as the ones suggested in this week’s resources, students
can learn all about the actual science behind them.
And
due to the fact that these are events that are currently going on, the lesson
could also spin into a lesson on charity and fundraising. Students could help by raising money or
collecting supplies that could then be sent to areas of need. With the use of programs like Skype,
the teacher could set up contacts near or involved in the natural disaster
clean up and have video chats to learn about the after affects and how people
recover. Will all these wonderful
tools at our disposal now thanks to the Internet, it makes it easier to connect
our students right to the events that are changing our world. By connecting them to live real time
events, it hopefully builds a greater appreciation in the student to the
project/assignment. With that
instant connection also comes a great opportunity to learn about the natural
disasters around the Earth and provides an chance to help out with the
rebuilding effort.
Hello!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the link to the NASA Earth Observatory site - what an excellent resource!
I wanted to suggest the following site to complement your ideas on getting the students involved in charity work:
http://www.dosomething.org/
You (or your students) can search for different causes they are interested in, both locally and internationally. One word of caution is that the site is geared towards older students, and some of the articles may reflect this at times. Amy
Very poignant observation: "With the wonders of the internet, we can now see what is happening around the world at any time." It seems that at a click of a mouse, we can expose our young minds to immediate wonders, such as with the link you provided for NASA's Earth Observatory site. I found incredible YouTube and Discovery Education videos as well that help to illustrate, in real-time and captured historical videos, what many natural disasters can do.
ReplyDeleteI believe through seeing "what is happening around the world at any time," we can give our young charges the immediacy they need in order to make a connection to others. Teaching empathy is very difficult; teaching the science behind the natural world is far easier. Incorporating Skype and technology to bridge the two is brilliant! :)
Janie
As you pointed out in your post, there are more internet resources that can be used to connect our students to the world. Our society is geared toward real-time, real-life experiences which link us to our neighbors around the world. People want a visual aid that will give them a window into news worthy events. Students need to make connections between natural disasters and aftermaths such as a drought in one area can cause an increase in food prices in their area along with a shortage of food supply for people and livestock, flooding in one area leads to farmers' crops being destroyed along with their livelihood, and a tornado in one area can lead to people needing food, shelter, and clothing. By using Skype, You Tube, and other technology, students can discover how they can make a difference when disaster strikes. They will learn about team work and what it means to be a good neighbor and citizen.
ReplyDeleteAlethea