Objective

By the end of this lesson, Brodi will be able to identify various types of natural disasters, understand their geographical implications, and analyze how they are portrayed in popular media, specifically in disaster movies.

Materials and Prep

• Access to natural disaster movies (e.g., "Twister," "San Andreas," "The Day After Tomorrow")
• Notebook and pen for taking notes
• Internet access for research (optional)
• Basic understanding of geography concepts such as tectonic plates, weather patterns, and ecosystems

Activities

• Movie Screening: Watch a selected natural disaster movie together. Take notes on the types of disasters depicted, the geographical locations affected, and the human responses to these events.

• Disaster Mapping: After watching the movie, create a map that shows the location of the disaster. Include key geographical features and discuss how these features contributed to the disaster.

• Discussion and Analysis: Engage in a discussion about the accuracy of the movie's portrayal of the disaster. What did the movie get right or wrong? How do these portrayals affect public perception of real disasters?

• Creative Writing: Write a short story or a diary entry from the perspective of someone living through the disaster depicted in the movie. Focus on their emotions, thoughts, and the geographical challenges they face.

Talking Points

• "Natural disasters can be fascinating and terrifying. What kinds of disasters do you think are most impactful on people and the environment?"
• "Movies often exaggerate the effects of disasters for dramatic purposes. What are some examples you noticed in the film?"
• "Understanding geography is crucial in predicting and preparing for natural disasters. How do you think geography influences where disasters occur?"
• "What role do you think climate change plays in the frequency and intensity of natural disasters?"
• "How do different cultures respond to natural disasters? Can you think of examples from the movie?"
• "Why do you think people are drawn to disaster movies? What do they provide us that is different from real-life experiences?"
• "What are some real-life disasters that have inspired filmmakers? How do these events shape the stories we see?"
• "Can you think of any technological advancements that help us predict or respond to natural disasters?"
• "Do you think the portrayal of natural disasters in movies has an impact on how society prepares for them?"
• "What emotions do you think filmmakers want to evoke in audiences when depicting disasters?"
• "How can studying geography help us better understand the risks associated with natural disasters?"
• "What lessons can we learn from the characters in disaster movies about resilience and survival?"
• "How do you think the media influences public perception of natural disasters?"
• "What are some ways communities can prepare for natural disasters based on what you've learned?"
• "How do you think the portrayal of natural disasters in movies could change in the future?"