Upper elementary resources for teaching emergency preparedness, understand the science behind severe weather, explore through lessons, videos, puzzles and more.
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Students in upper elementary grades are able to comprehend many of the basic scientific principles behind natural disasters, as well as the risks associated with them. Whereas younger children may worry about monsters under their beds, children in this age range often worry about more realistic concerns, like burglars and being home alone. If they live in an area with a recent history of natural disasters, this may be a source of anxiety as well.
Emergency preparedness gives kids a sense of control, equips them with critical life skills, and is a key factor in helping them feel more safe and secure. Scientific knowledge is also empowering, as it helps kids make sense of the world around them. The lesson plans and resources in this section teach students the science behind natural disasters that can happen across the country, and show them how to be safe and prepared in case one happens close to home. Students may or may not get comprehensive information from home about preparedness. Therefore, schools and teachers play a critical role in bridging the gap.
Lesson Plans
- Extreme Science & Safety: Thunderstorms, Tornadoes & Hurricanes
Students study and identify cloud types, learn lightning safety lessons and practice emergency positions for tornado and hurricane preparedness. - Tsunami Science
Students learn about these huge destructive waves and what causes them. - Understanding Volcanoes
Build a model volcano to learn about its properties and why volcanoes are dangerous for people who live near them. - Weather Maps
Students learn about different weather types through map study and create their own weather maps. - Wildfires: Prevention, Preparation and Protection
Study the science behind fires and wildfires, how to prevent them and be protected in the event of an emergency.
Videos
Upper elementary video clips present the basic scientific principles behind natural disasters, as well as the risks associated with them. See the science stirred up by severe storms, learn weather warnings and understand why the earth moves.
Bulletin Board Ideas
- Creatively link science and preparedness concepts.
Bring bulletin boards back to life with an interactive weather board, supply list collage and a guide to weather symbols.
Themed Puzzles
These puzzles are vocabulary builders and support key readiness and science concepts. Plus, puzzles are plain old fun! Print these examples in support of the lesson plans or make your own.
Resources
For additional information that can help ready your classroom, you can visit the following sites:
- The Department of Homeland Security's Ready Campaign
Create an emergency supply kit, make an emergency plan, and learn important facts about thunderstorms, hurricanes, tornadoes, and other natural hazards.
http://www.ready.gov/ - NEW - Plan for the flu with this communication toolkit for schools.
http://www.flu.gov/plan/school/toolkit.html - Local Emergency Management
Find resources and information on preparedness in your community.
http://www.ready.gov/america/local/index.html - National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Education Site
Get daily weather forecasts and severe storm warnings.
http://www.weather.gov/os/edures.shtml - National Preparedness Month
A Nationwide coordinated effort held each September to promote emergency preparedness in the home, workplace, school, and community.
www.ready.gov/america - State Preparedness Awareness Events
Each state has its own weather awareness week/s. Learn more about the weather awareness week/s in your state, and find out what you can do in support of state-wide initiatives with your class.
http://www.weather.gov/os/severeweather/severewxcal.shtml - Smokey Bear's Home Page
Learn essential wildfire prevention information.
http://www.smokeybear.com/wildfires.asp - School Emergency Checklist
http://readyclassroom.discoveryeducation.com/media/pdfs/school-emergency-supplies-go-kit.pdf - Webcast Archive