Plate Tectonic - Hazards (K)
Post Lab 

   
OBJECTIVES:
  • Exploring dangers in the classroom.
  • Comparing dangers in the classroom with dangers at home.
VOCABULARY:
  • damage
  • hazard
MATERIALS:
  • none

Students find dangers in their classroom and home.


Collapsed buildings, Gilroy, California

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:
  1. 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.
      
  2. 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.
      
  3. 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.

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