SCIENCE A strong earthquake rocked Nepal early Saturday, destroying buildings, damaging historic temples, and killing more than 4,000 people. (Nat Geo News) Explore the impact of the quake and the tectonically active region of Himalayas with today’s MapMaker Interactive. Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers’ Toolkit. Discussion Ideas In our video “Earthquakes 101,” we learn that most earthquakes … Continue reading Quake Devastates Nepal
ENVIRONMENT When Cyclone Pam ripped across the tiny South Pacific island nation of Vanuatu, there were fears its monstrous winds could kill thousands. But as aid workers finally reached the archipelago’s hard-hit outer islands, it appeared that residents’ careful planning had spared the lives of most. (Associated Press) Use our activity to prepare for extreme natural events in your own community. Teachers, scroll down for … Continue reading Prepared for Pam
UNITED STATES Drastic weather, rising seas and changing storm patterns could become “threat multipliers” for the United States, vastly complicating security challenges faced by American forces, the Pentagon said in a new report on the impact of climate change. (Washington Post) Use our resources to learn more about climate change. Teachers: Scroll all the way down for a short list of key resources in our … Continue reading Pentagon Targets Climate Change
ARTS Architecture generally involves creating monuments from materials like steel, stone, and concrete. Yet this year, the discipline’s top award is going to a man who is best known for making temporary shelters out of paper tubes, largely for victims of natural hazards. (New York Times) Use our resources to learn more about architecture. Discussion Ideas Architect Shigeru Ban is well-known for using portable and … Continue reading ‘Cardboard’ Architect Wins Substantial Prize
TECHNOLOGY When disaster strikes, chaos can ensue—especially on social media, where thousands of Tweets, Facebook posts, and Instagrams can overwhelm human capacity to get a clear picture of who needs what. “Crisis mapper” Patrick Meier is harnessing the information-gathering power of social media to improve the speed and effectiveness of typhoon-relief efforts in the Philippines. (National Geographic News) Use our resources to learn more about … Continue reading Crisis Mapping the Philippines
