Living With Risk: The Human Element of Natural Disasters
Overview Procedures for Teachers Organizers for Students



Throughout history, people have been fascinated by natural disasters. In this lesson students will gain an understanding of the human elements that are a part of natural disasters. They will read a Hawaiian myth; conduct a survey; discuss different viewpoints on why people choose to live in high risk areas; participate in a writing activity based on reading children's real life accounts of catastrophes; and focus on the role of economics in disaster preparedness.

Grade Level:

5-10

Subject Matter:

Science; Language Arts


Learning Objectives



Students will be able to:

  • develop an understanding of how ancient and modern peoples thought about, prepared for, and lived through natural catastrophes.
  • collect anecdotal data.
  • develop an understanding of why people make different choices, and how they evaluate the risks inherent in their environments.
  • learn to synthesize information and produce a written product.

    Use of the Internet
    • Publication
    • Investigation/Research
    • Communication
    This lesson plan was developed by Maureen Carroll and Laurel Blaine of Baybreeze Education Resources.

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