BACKGROUND:
Natural disasters have occurred throughout time.
Catastrophes caused by volcanoes and earthquakes are not only spectacular,
but can also be devastating if they occur in populated areas. Hazards are
natural, and an important events which help keep the Earth internally
"happy". Students must be prepared to act sensibly in disasters.
By learning about the effects of past disasters, students can come to
understand that "mother nature" is a force that cannot be tamed.
Although students are too young to understand the
impact of earthquakes to the community, it is never too young to begin the
discussion. Tomorrow's adults need to be aware of the dangers of
earthquakes. As a teacher you should be aware of problems at your school for
any disaster. If you live in "earthquake country" you should ask
your principal the procedures on what is expected of you during an
earthquake. If you know what the policies are, you can convey these to your
students.
Earthquake education can provide insight into solving
problems in science as well as making our environment a safer place to be.
PROCEDURE:
- Have the students look around their classroom. As a
group, go over what might fall on them (write a list on the board)
during an earthquake. State what objects might hurt them, and what would
not.
- Discuss areas of the class room that have
electricity, water, gas, and glass. If your school has an earthquake
policy, go over it with the students.
- With the class, develop a list of actions to take
during an earthquake. An example is presented below.
|
DANGER |
WHAT TO DO TO PREVENT GETTING
HURT |
|
Books - can hit you on the head |
Put hand over head and duck under a
heavy desk. |
|
Windows - can break and cut |
Put hands over eyes and turn away
from window. |
|
Gas - can leak and emit bad fumes |
Put cloth over nose and try to
leave room. |
|
Electricity - wires can become bare
and electrocute |
Do not touch wires. |
|
Water - pipes can break and cause
flooding |
Will not cause much damage to
classroom. |
WHAT IF AN EARTHQUAKE HAPPENS WHEN I'M...
|
LOCATION |
WHAT TO DO |
|
At school |
Listen to teacher or other person
in charge. |
|
At home |
If parents are not immediately
present, think and take action. |
|
In an unfamiliar place |
Think and take action. |
