Math and Science Day 2010: Severe Weather and Emergency Preparedness
Ms. Van Os
SC.912.E.7.6 Relate the formation of severe weather to the various physical factors
My goal was to teach a lesson in one classroom period that was at the same time meaningful and useful. I wanted them to be able to take home what they learned and put it in the hurricane box that most of us now have squirreled away in a closet for “next time”. I wanted them to talk to their families about it and have it be the topic of choice at dinner.
To set the mood I brought a large window fan from home and put streamers on it on my front desk to “simulate” hurricane conditions, simultaneously playing a slideshow of pictures taken during the 2004/2005 hurricane season. We had an open discussion in each class as they worked on their menus, answering many questions about what to do and what not to do concerning grilling, running generators, and bottling water. Although most students used the suggested items on the brochure page, deviating somewhat with nutrition bars and pop-tarts, some of the more interesting questions came up about harvesting fish and shellfish from nearby waters. Those conversations turned to water quality and the need for environmental testing before it could be considered safe. I do think my goal was reached as I read the menus that would be turned back to them the next day for safe keeping.
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