Human Dignity + Compassion = Peace
In the film, That’s What I Am, a teacher uses these four words to win a contest on World Peace. I think that the same holds true when teaching students about natural disasters. When trying to develop scientifically literate and compassionate citizens, one must not only include the science behind the disaster, but also the human impact of the disaster. In my small community we are blessed to have a hospital and through the hospital, our students have been able to connect and contribute directly to relief efforts when natural disasters occur. After the Earthquake struck Haiti, a local group of doctors and nurses headed there to help out. The students at our school studied the Earthquake and were able to collect items to send to Haiti with the Doctors. When these doctors and nurses returned they came to the school to share their pictures and stories. Through this experience and this tragedy our students were able to learn about Earthquakes and have compassion on those that were affected.
