By studying natural and man-made disasters students have the opportunity to investigate the causes of these calamities and ways in which technology is able to reduce their effects. They become more aware of the need to respect environmental, structural and safety guidelines and may be better prepared to cope with emergency situations. By studying events that have happened in the real world, students will naturally become more compassionate and scientifically literate with regard to natural disasters.
To help students understand these disasters, each disaster needs to be introduce and studied in depth in class. Technology tools such as wikis, web sites, web quests, streamlined videos, and Web 2.0 media presentations, students will gain a better understanding of natural disasters. With this deeper understanding, students will gain an appreciation and begin to consider what they can do to help those that have been affected by a natural disaster. Hosting a disaster preparedness fair for the community and collecting items needed to send for disaster relief are specific ways that students can contribute to help during the aftermath of a disaster. This type of citizenship and responsibility need to be among the required learning of all students.
