All grade levels
Duration: 1 lesson
PDF: halifaxexplosion_disasterbrainstorming.pdf
Summary:
In this introductory activity, students will explore natural disasters and human
tragedies.
Purpose:
To introduce the Halifax Explosion
Subjects:
History, Social Studies
Before Exploring
Write the word "Disaster" on the board or chart paper. Ask students
to offer definitions and examples of current and historical disasters and note
their responses. Discuss the difference between natural disasters and human-caused
tragedies, and why sometimes, like the Titanic, disasters can be both.
Distribute the download sheet Disaster Brainstorming to pairs of students and allow them five minutes to complete the organizer. Review the results of the brainstorming with the whole class.
Outline the Opportunity
Ask: What Canadian natural disasters or human-caused tragedies can you name?
Record responses on the board. Direct students to the topic The Halifax Explosion
on the CBC Halifax Explosion Web site. Allow students 10 minutes to browse the
site. Students should note any new or interesting information not mentioned
by the class.
Revisit and Reflect
Have students refer to their notes and the notes on the board and ask: What
disasters or tragedies do you consider the most alarming or interesting? What
does it mean for those who witness and survive? Did you know about the Halifax
Explosion? Why does it fit the general description of a disaster?
Extension
Students can investigate the stories in the Disasters and Tragedies section
of the CBC Radio and Television Archives Web site. Older students may wish to
read one of the following novels about the Halifax Explosion: Barometer Rising
by Hugh MacLennan, or Burden of Desire by Robert MacNeil.