Natural Disaster Response

As we study natural disasters I will give students real world examples of those events. As we learn of the devastation these events can cause to humans and to the environment, I will share the impact these events have had. We will investigate the loss of human life, the monetary costs and the changes in politics that these events have caused.

In Ohio, we are not closely connected to hurricanes, volcanic eruptions, earthquakes or tsunamis, even tornadoes are not a huge threat to our area. Because of this students may have trouble picturing this idea concretely. To help them understand the impact of such storms, I could have students write emails or post questions for survivors of natural disasters. Giving students the opportunity to interact with people who have experienced such horrific events will make the abstract concept more concrete.

I will have students brainstorm ways that we can help those who do experience the wrath of such disasters. Since we are so lucky to live in a “safe” area of the world, we will come up with ways we can help others. In the past we have created Emergency Clean Up buckets. This ministry was taking place in one of our area churches following hurricane Katrina and students suggested we get involved by donating specific supplies and raising money to ship them. This project is a way we can offer practical help to those in need.