Natural Hazards
Videos
GradesK-12Earth and Space Sciences
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Provided by The Wonder of Science
What it is
- This video explains how natural hazards like hurricanes, tsunamis, floods, earthquakes, and volcanoes can lead to natural disasters. The first part of the video (0:00-4:16) is suitable for students in grades 3-12, while the second part of the video (4:16-6:24) provides information on teaching about natural hazards in grades K-12.
- Students will learn that people cannot do anything to stop natural hazards, but they can predict and prepare for for them.
Teaching tips
Positives
- This video explains the concept of natural hazards in a clear and easy-to-understand manner.
- Photographs of natural hazards help to keep the video interesting and engaging.
- The information at the end of the video will help teachers to see how the standard, ESS3.B, spirals through each grade level with increasing rigor.
Additional Prerequisites
- The video does not explain how climate change has exacerbated some natural disasters, making them more challenging to prepare for.
Differentiation
- Elementary science classes could make severe weather maps to show the common natural hazards in each region of the United States. Students could look at their own state to predict the kinds of severe weather that might impact their region. Teachers could talk about ways that communities can prepare for natural disasters.
- Social studies or government classes could research how federal, state, and local governments help communities to prepare for natural hazards (alert systems, infrastructure, evacuations, emergency shelters, etc.).
- Other resources on this topic include this Hot Mess video on how communities can survive climate disasters, this Project Look Sharp lesson on extreme weather and climate change, and this Our Changing Climate video on why climate change makes extreme weather worse.
From the scientist review
This video clearly explains the difference between natural hazards and natural disasters. It shows typical examples of natural hazards, how they are distributed spatially, and ways to monitor for natural hazards. The examples shown are suitable for different grade levels (elementary, middle, and high school). This video has no misconceptions and is recommended for teaching.
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