A Scientific Appreciation

Studying the history of various natural disasters, especially their impact on human property and life, will help children gain an appreciation for the powerful processes of Earth. In my fifth grade classroom, we learn most about earthquakes and volcanoes. I would start by reading nonfiction excerpts of major earthquakes in the world’s history, for instance the San Francisco earthquake of 1906. Then, I will move toward more recent events, such as the recent earthquakes in Haiti and Japan. We will look into the human interest aspect of the earthquake’s effects and how the citizens of these countries worlds were turned upside-down.

To reflect on this even further, students would write a journal entry describing how their own lives would change if there was suddenly a major earthquake in Atlanta. Finally, students in my class would research the needs of children in Haiti and Japan, still today, because of the earthquake. They will organize a school contest under a theme similar to “Change for Change” asking students in all classes to bring in change from their piggy banks or leftover from their Wendy’s drive-thru meal. The winning class will receive a treat, while the money will go either toward purchasing supplies, comfort items (such as new teddy bears), or simply as a monetary donation to the Red Cross supporting countries in the midst of natural disaster rebuilding.