Whenever a natural disaster occurs, just as the tsunami with Japan last year, we discuss it in my classroom. I do not show all of the graphic photos available on the internet, but I do believe in having discussions and approaching it from a learning standpoint. It’s real life and it’s in the news all around us. Hurricanes have a lot to do with weather, but there is so much more to discuss and learn about with Hurricane Irene. You could start with just learning about how they form, but depending on the age of your students, it might help them to talk about the hurricane, to answer their questions, and most importantly, ease their fears.
Geography of the US: Do students understand the geography of the US, the path the storm has taken, and why only certain areas are prone to hurricanes? Let students investigate the natural disasters in your area and make some connections about why certain areas are more likely to experience one type of natural disaster over the other. A view of Irene from space shows the magnitude of the storm. How does location affect weather?
Force, Motion, & Safety: I’ve been watching the coverage of the safety of skyscrapers in hurricane force winds and students can explore how and why these buildings are built to withstand the forces of nature. Last year, my students built cardboard structures to withstand the force of a tornado in the form of a leafblower. They found out that shape and construction was very, very important when it comes to safety. How does science keep us safe?
Size and Scale: Many natural disasters have a rating system or scale. Allow kids the chance to investigate and determine why Irene has been more significant than other hurricanes. Let them explore why we have scales to measure storms and what the purpose of them is. What patterns are found in our world?
Discussions about Honor: Did you know that 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, a guard stands at the Tomb of the Unknowns in Washington, DC? Even during Hurricane Irene, the guard remains. This photo could lead to a discussion on what ‘honor’ means. The ties to the wars of the past, the traditions of the US Military, and the symbolism could all lead to a valuable learning experience with students. What is ‘honor’?
Giving Back: Give kids a chance to do something. Let them brainstorm ways that they could help the victims of Hurricane Irene. Maybe they want to collect pet supplies for displaced animals, maybe they want to collect change to donate to a charity to help hurricane victims. Give your students a chance to help in some way, even if you live on the other side of the country or the world. How can I make a difference?
There are so many ways to approach learning about hurricanes and it’s up to you to find out what is right for your class. But, current events, even when tied to a serious or tragic event, can help kids understand their world, and more importantly, themselves.
Additional Hurricane Links:
- Severe Weather: Hurricanes!
- FEMA: Hurricanes
- The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale
- PBS: Nova ScienceNOW: Hurricane
