Developing Scientifically Literate and Compassionalte Citizens

The power and fury of natural disasters are intriguing to many.  As news-casters report on the destruction and devastation associated with these occurrences, citizens seek answers to many questions such as why?  How? and When?  Why is this natural disaster occurring?  How is this natural disaster affecting Earth?  communities?  people's lives?  When will this natural disaster occur again? 

As educators, we can help to develop more scientifically- literate and compassionate students by teaching our students what natural disasters are, why they occur and where they are likely to occur.  Students don't realize the power within the Earth.  By studying the Earth's interior and the causes of our weather, students will gain an understanding of why these events occur. 

Through the study of past natural disasters, students can observe the  destruction and devastation caused by the tremendous power of these storms.  They could the begin to look for patterns to the occurences of these natural disasters.

Some classroom activites to help students understand the power and fury of natural disasters could include:
1.  Creating photo essays showing the destruction and devastation to the Earth and peoples lives
2.  Corresponding with a school that is located in an area that has been affected by a natural disaster
3.  Collecting items to send to the Red Cross to aid victims of a natural disaster.

The American Red Cross is a relief organization that aids people in emergency situations. By having a representative from the Red Cross come into a classroom and talk to the students is one way to show students how they can help people in need during any crisis.  Asking a representative that has helped people during a natural disaster to speak to students is a way to convey a personal experience of a catastrophic event.