Student Awareness

I find it so important for students to be aware of what is happening around the world, whether it is a natural disaster or other disaster or inequity. Last year after the earthquake in Haiti, I took the opportunity to inform my students about what was happening in Haiti. I found video clips, images, and articles of the Sumatra earthquake from a few years earlier and discussed how they did not have warning systems for the tsunami. Once students were able to see footage and read about the destruction and devastation in the area, they were able to personalize it more. I feel when students do not see images and video about devastation around the world they cannot identify with the tragedy. After watching news clips and videos each day in science class after the Haiti tragedy, students wanted to help. Students decided to try and raise money to give to the Red Cross to help those in Haiti. Our school decided to create and sell rubber band bracelets to raise money for Haiti. I think that once students became more informed about these kinds of disasters and what they can do to third world countries, they were able to sympathize more and become involved. I think if give students the opportunity to really understand and see what is happening in the world (a little deeper than what the local news shows), they will begin to identify with the tragedy and the victims and become socially aware of others outside of themselves and their immediate surroundings.