Social Vulnerability to Natural Hazards

Students learn about social determinants, such as age, ethnicity, disability, and language, that might make some people more vulnerable to hazards than others. The lesson utilizes stories about how different populations have been affected by hazards and encourages students to look for the strengths and abilities people have to be resilient to hazards.

Context for Use

This is the third of four lessons in the Lake County Cascading Hazards unit. This lesson can also be used in the HEART Force Curriculum. 

Flood waters from Hurrican Dolly

Flood waters from Hurricane Dolly, in Raymondville, Texas in 2008. 

Goals Header
What Students Will Do

Obtain, evaluate and communicate information about the different factors that cause inequality of communities to respond to and recover from natural hazards.

Teaching Materials

Social Vulnerability to Natural Hazards Lesson Materials Google Folder
Social Vulnerability to Natural Hazards Teacher Guide
Social Vulnerability to Natural Hazards Lesson Slides
Social Vulnerability to Natural Hazards Student Worksheet
Social Vulnerability to Natural Hazards Student Worksheet KEY

Description

In this lesson, students will:

Part 1 – (10 minutes) Take a Stand Warm-Up 

Respond to statements about social vulnerability by standing in different positions in the room. 

Part 2 – (10 minutes) Roger and Lucille’s Story

Students read a story about a couple in Lyons, Colorado, and what they experienced during and after a historic flood in 2013.

Part 3 – (30 minutes) Social Vulnerability Jigsaw

Students will research why certain populations may be more vulnerable than others in small groups, then jigsaw and share their findings with their classmates.

 

Illustration of two people high-fiving in a work environment

Get involved and stay up-to-date with CIRES CEEE.