Middle school resources for teaching emergency preparedness, understand the science behind severe weather, explore through lessons, videos, puzzles and more.
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Middle school students can comprehend more complex scientific information about weather and natural disasters. They are also more likely to have seen disturbing images of disasters and their aftermath on the television news and understand the potential for destruction. However, scientific knowledge can be empowering. For instance, it can often be reassuring for students to see how accurately meteorologists are able to predict and track many natural disasters, due to sophisticated technology, and to give significant preparation time.
This section contains lesson plans, experiments, video clips and resources designed to teach the science behind a range of natural disasters. You'll also find reference material to help you prepare and respond to disaster-related topics most relevant to where you live, as well as downloadable take-home pages to help students make an emergency plan with their families.
The goal of this section is twofold: to teach students the science behind natural disasters that can happen across the country, and to empower them to be safe and prepared in case one happens close to home. Older students can play an especially important role at home and can even take the lead in creating their Family Emergency Plan and assembling their Emergency Supply Kit.
Lesson Plans
- Wildfires: Fire smart landscape design
Students learn how building design and landscaping can incorporate fire safety precautions. - Weather Maps
Students study national weather maps and create and present their own showing different weather conditions. - Wonders of Weather
A three-part lesson covering the basics of weather by season, the path of hurricanes/tornados and how to prepare for them, and how to take precautions against their destructive forces. - Hurricanes, Tornadoes and Thunderstorms
Students learn how these storms are similar, different and how they interact with one another. - Introduction to Plate Tectonics
Students will map major earthquake epicenters and locations of different types of volcanoes as they learn to understand the effects shifting plates have on the earth. - How Strong Are Tornadoes
Study the Fujita Scale of Tornado Intensity and examine ways in which engineers and architects can create tornado-proof designs for houses and other buildings.
Videos
Middle school students learn more advanced science concepts to better prepare and feel empowered in case of emergencies. Explore how meteorologists use technology to predict and track severe storms. Discover the relationship between earthquakes and tsunamis. Visit the Smash Lab to test theories on making fireproof and hurricane-proof houses.
Bulletin Board Ideas
- Creatively link science and preparedness concepts.
Bring bulletin boards back to life by making a useful guide to weather forecasting scales, ratings, warning systems and weather symbols.
Themed Puzzles
Crack a cryptogram or win a word search — learning new vocabulary words combines with readiness tips in fun puzzles. 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