Humanities Lesson A: Earthquakes...

Subject: Humanities (Geography)
Location: Earth Science Lab
Conducted by: Mr Aurelius Yeo and Mrs Serene Lew

A) Lesson Objectives:

Content/Knowledge & Skills
Students will know...
  • Earthquakes are dangerous, but with proper management and preparedness, we can greatly reduce the number of deaths and casualties
  • The constraints and difficulties faced by different stakeholders in managing the after-effects of natural disasters

B) Brief Description of Activity:

Students are able to evaluate the role of residents and governments in terms of their responses to a natural disaster, in an authentic context for discussion. They will subsequently understand the constraints and shortcomings of any measure(s) implemented in disaster management.

C) Lesson Resources

Taking on the role of either the government or residents, find out more about what is involved in earthquake management and the difficulties which may arise.

Introduction
A Tribute to Japan's Earthquake victims

Government

Visit this BBC website to find out about the earthquake and the tsunami which hit North-east Japan on 11 March 2011.

As a government,

  • Propose plans and strategies to help the locals.
  • Consider what are the concerns of the government.
  • Are you able to meet the requests of the residents?
  • Consider your financial and physical constraints in pacifying the locals
  • What is it that you need to release news slowly?

You may refer to the following articles and videos to gather ideas and information about what the government has done:


Using the paper provided, put together a short proposal of the plans and strategies to help the residents. Keep in mind the questions and issues that would pertain to you.

Residents

Visit the following websites to find out about the earthquake and tsunami which hit North-east Japan on 11 March 2011.


As the residents and locals affected by the earthquake,

  • What do you need as a resident?
  • What do you require your government to do?

You may refer to the following articles and videos to gather ideas and information about the concerns residents and locals have:


Using the booklet provided, put down what your needs are as a resident and local of the area and your suggestions of what you like the government do for you.

You will convene at the Town Hall to share your opinions from both perspectives.

Conclusion