Flood lecture at Lakeland College in Madison, Wisconsin.

perilous planet
for more natural hazards photography.



Other Resources:


National Science Education Standards: Observe, Interact, Change, Learn (National Research Council)

HOW can natural hazards fit into my science curriculum?

The captivating nature of natural hazards makes them an ideal topic of study in almost any earth science, atmospheric science, environmental science, or geography class. To study natural hazards, scientists often focus on the interaction of physical Earth processes and human activities. Therefore, a natural hazards curriculum can also be incorporated into social studies.


WHY should natural hazards be included in my science curriculum?

Actually, natural hazards are an important part of a science curriculum, as indicated by the National Science Education Standards (Content F):

• Normal adjustments of earth may be hazardous for humans. Humans live at the interface between the atmosphere driven by solar energy and the upper mantle where convection creates changes in the earth's solid crust. As societies have grown, become stable, and come to value aspects of the environment, vulnerability to natural processes of change has increased.
  
  
• Human activities can enhance potential for hazards. Acquisition of resources, urban growth, and waste disposal can accelerate rates of natural change.
  
  
• Some hazards, such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and severe weather, are rapid and spectacular. But there are slow and progressive changes that also result in problems for individuals and societies. For example, change in stream channel position, erosion of bridge foundations, sedimentation in lakes and harbors, coastal erosions, and continuing erosion and wasting of soil and landscapes can all negatively affect society.
  
  
• Natural and human-induced hazards present the need for humans to assess potential danger and risk. Many changes in the environment designed by humans bring benefits to society, as well as cause risks. Students should understand the costs and trade-offs of various hazards--ranging from those with minor risk to a few people to major catastrophes with major risk to many people. The scale of events and the accuracy with which scientists and engineers can (and cannot) predict events are important considerations.

WHERE can I find natural hazards educational materials?

• The "other resources" section associated with some of the hazards contains links to products available for purchase online (go to INVESTIGATE).
  
  
• Some U.S. government sites offer free educational materials which can be mailed to your school for use in your classroom (go to DISCOVER).
  
  
• perilous planet
  is the image-based companion site of NaturalHazards.org

WHO can help me if I have a specific question about natural hazards?

This site explains what natural hazards are and how they happen. If you look through this site and still can't find an answer to a specific question, click on the question mark to send us your question and we'll do our best to answer it.