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Stop Disasters

What it is: Stop Disasters is a collection of disaster simulation games created by the ISDR (International Strategy for Disaster Reduction).  As students play the games, they learn about natural disasters and actions that people can take to help protect themselves and others.  The student’s job is to plan and construct a safer environment for their population. Students must assess the disaster risk and try to limit damage when natural disasters strike.  Some advice that students are given within the game will be good and some of it will be bad, it is up to them to discern which is which.  Students can choose from 5 different scenarios, Tsunami, Earthquake, Hurricane, Wild Fire, and Flood.  Each scenario has 3 levels: easy, medium, and hard.  When students enter the simulation, they are greeted by a local who briefs them on the situation.  Students are given a budget and time limit to complete the necessary precautions.  After 20 min., the natural disaster occurs and tests their solutions.  Students develop the land and learn about their choices each step of the way.  During the game students can keep track of their budget, the population they are working to keep safe, a map and risk management map, and their remaining time.  The game is very engaging, it reminds me of the SIM City games that I played as a kid.  This game will put those critical thinking muscles to the test! How to integrate Stop Disasters into the classroom: Stop Disasters is an excellent game for teaching students about natural disasters through an engaging simulated environment.  It is up to each student to create solutions for their environment before the natural disaster occurs.  Students get immediate feedback during each development period and get to test their work when the natural disaster strikes.  This game is best played in a computer lab setting where each student has the opportunity to interact with the simulation individually.  A simulation game takes about 20-30 minutes to complete so make sure that your students have ample time to complete the game.  After students complete the simulation, bring them back together as a class and discuss choices that were made, why those choices were made, and what outcomes students observed.  Students can also write a reflection piece on what they might do differently next time.  Stop Disasters has quite a bit of reading embedded in game play, it is best for 4th-5th grade students and older.  If you are teaching younger students who won’t be able to read the site independently (or you don’t have access to a computer lab) the simulation can be run as a whole class using an interactive whiteboard or projector-connected computer. I found Stop Disasters while working on a unit in our Treasures curriculum that had the theme of natural disasters.  As an extension activity, students can create public service announcements about safety using a tool like Animoto or create safety posters for their population. Tips: Students can learn more about the ISDR on this site, when we are talking disasters with kids, it is always nice to have a place where they can learn about organizations that are working to help keep them safe.  This makes the topic less stressful and overwhelming for students. Please leave a comment and share how you are using Stop Disasters in your classroom.

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Taking over the Internet one blog/website/social network at a time

Posted by admin | Posted in Grade Level, inspiration, Teacher Resources | Posted on 09-12-2010

Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,

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Did you know that I am other places around these interwebs other than iLearn Technology?  It’s true!  Sometimes I have to remind myself that not all of my readers have been with me since 2007 hanging on my every word (I know, I’m shocked too) and may need a refresher from time to time on where else they can find me.

I used to be a computer teacher and technology integration specialist. These days I am still working in education as a consultant, offering PD, writing, and working on starting a school.  When I was a computer teacher, I taught elementary and made this website for my students.  It is separated by grade and subject and has my very favorite websites (at the time- I haven’t updated it recently) on it.  These are what I used most often with my students and needed fast access to.  I bet you will find some fun websites you can use with your students, or pass it along to your students knowing that everything they find there will be a safe place for them to be.

Tenkely.org

I write another education blog that is a collection of my dreams for what I want education to be. It is called Dreams of Education, not as many followers there but great conversations!

I freelance write for The Apple on occasion about a variety of topics, usually technology, always education.

I keep a blog where I record great stories of learning, it is called Stories of Learning (imagine that!)

I keep a blog all about iDevices (iPods, iPads, iPhone) apps and their uses in education it is called iPad Curriculum.

I have a Facebook fan page for iLearn Technology.

I write with other incredible bloggers on Cooperative Catalyst and Confident Teacher.

I am an Apple fanatic and have written two magazines about using Apple products in education. (I wish I had time to do some more of these!)

I am on Linked In here (I’m not very active there but check in on occasion when I remember to).

I am on Twitter here (I am good about checking in here).

I have created a few websites that I used with my students but will share with you including:

Typing

Internet Safety for Parents

iVerb Project

Web 2.0 Advent Calendar

(I’m pretty sure I have more of these floating around but this is what comes to mind at the moment- I tend to make a website for EVERY project I have going at any given time :) )

I do keep social bookmarks but use a platform that doesn’t seem to be free to use any more (except for me?) Simply Box.

When in doubt, search ktenkely it is the name I use everywhere on the interwebs.

A few tips and tricks for iLearn Technology- if you are searching for ANYTHING type in the keywords into my search box…9 out of 10 you will find something great!  Don’t know exactly what you are looking for? Do a multiple category search (find it to the right of this post in the sidebar).  Select items from as many of the drop downs as you would like and click “search” Every post or tool that matches that criteria will come up.  I sort posts according to Blooms Taxonomy level, grade level, subject, and resource type.  Go ahead and give it a try, I know you will find something you can use!

iLearn Technology has a store- in it I sell lesson plans, flipcharts (for use on the Promethean), and my Bloom’s Taxonomy images (Peacock, Umbrella, Tree, and Pin wheel). They are all $.99/ download.  I use this money to keep my blogs and websites going.  I add to my store occasionally so check back every once in a while for some new finds.

I am a Promethean certified trainer (although it has been 6 month since I have done a training!) I keep my Promethean resources here.

I hope in all of these resources you find something that is helpful for you!

Comments (8)

Tweets that mention iLearn Technology » Blog Archive » Taking over the Internet one blog/website/social network at a time -- Topsy.com said on 09-12-2010

[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Shelly S Terrell, ktenkely, Carol Tonhauser, Faiza Khan, Franklin Hernández and others. Franklin Hernández said: RT @ShellTerrell: Taking over the Internet one blog/website/social network at a time http://bit.ly/g05C2B by @ktenkely #edtech [...]
Susan Stephenson, the book Chook said on 10-12-2010

I don’t think I’ve ever been to iLearnTechnology without finding something great! The list above is a testament to your energy and passion for education, Kelly.
Ruth Ferris said on 10-12-2010

Great information. I will share your links with teachers I know. So my question to you – “Do you ever sleep?” I am jealous of your energy.
Mike Summers said on 10-12-2010

Great post Kelly. In addition to being impressive simply for the sheer volume of your work, posts like this one provide a much needed “one stop shop” for educators trying to sift through the seemingly unending maze of ed tech resources.

Keep leading the charge. The future is unknown. The path to change is often uncertain and hazy. But those of us who would walk this path need bright lights like you.
Chase March said on 11-12-2010

Thank you for this post of amazing resources. I am one of those readers who only recently discovered you (and only because of Twitter)

Keep doing what you’re doing and sharing. I know that I really appreciate it and I’m sure other teachers will as well.
admin said on 13-12-2010

Thank you! I am glad that you happened upon me :)

admin said on 13-12-2010

Thanks Mike, it has been a labor of love and passion!
admin said on 13-12-2010

Thank you Ruth, I appreciate your sharing!

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