Educational Resources

There are some great resources for education, engaging that address disaster in a way that is not threatening, engaging and age appropriate. Although a good dose of fear is a good thing to help them understand the danger that accompanies disasters (we don’t want them to feel safe enough to dawdle), but we don’t want them having nightmares either. These include DVD’s, lesson plans (the home is the first classroom), books, websites, and games available. There is a list available on the blog and at the booth. We went through a lot of information and really feel like we found the cream of the crop.

Being so close to Portland we have a bounty of wonderful museums as well. OMSI has exhibits on earthquakes, along with IMAX movies which would be good for older children. Currently they are showing one on tornadoes and on May 26^th they will be have a full exhibit on Natural Disasters! There is also the Safety Learning Center and Fire Museum a free museum on fire safety, and the Portland Police Historical Museum which is also free. These two museums also teach children to recognize the uniforms and efforts of those who will be coming to their aid in the time of a disaster. They can look very intimidating to a small child but when they become familiar with what they do they become a symbol of safety.

Another wonderful resource for education is Mt St. Helen's. We live in an area surrounded by volcanoes. Now whether they are close by like Mt Hood or far like Mt. Lassen, CA or Mt Baker, WA, we will most likely be affected by them as demonstrated by Mt. St. Helens. And if there is a large earthquake, it will most likely trigger one of more. (Don’t mean to scare you). However volcanoes are one of kids favorite natural phenomenons (any science fair will prove this)! Mt St. Helen's National Monument actually has three visitors’ centers with different exhibits and focuses. It also has a junior geologist program and a junior ranger program where they can earn badges, a patch and other things, along with the usual ranger lead talks and hikes. These are not just great ways to teach about volcanoes but also to show them that recovery is possible. I highly recommend this one.

If you live outside the Pacific Northwest, do some research of your area and what they have to offer. Contact me with your findings and I would live to add it to the blog for a more complete listing of resources throughout the country.

See the page Natural Disaster Educational Resources for a full list of links, games, books and resources.