January 2005
Tide~ Centre, Millennium Point, Birmingham
Responding to the Tsunami
We have all been moved by the dramatic events of the Tsunami.
The emotional impact is considerable.
The debates about effective aid, longer-term solutions and
political opportunities/responsibilities are complex.
The issues raised are comprehensive.
As a network, Tide~ is concerned with looking out to the world, responding to global issues and working creatively on the contribution teaching can make.
To this end we are responding in several ways:
- A list of websites has been compiled which will be of use to teachers looking for information and support. [See below]
- Work with teacher groups about longer-term implications.
- An open meeting to discuss the issues. Thursday 3rd March 2005 at 5:30pm at the Tide~ Centre [Refreshments 5:00pm]
This will be an opportunity to share experiences about what teachers have been doing and to consider the longer-term educational challenges. Further details and a programme will be posted on the website.
We would welcome feedback from teachers about how they have raised the issues surrounding the tsunami, in the classroom.
We invite you to the meeting, Thursday 3rd March.
Please email
or call 0121 202 3290 to confirm a place.
The Tide~ Centre, Millennium Point, Birmingham
stocks a wide selection of resources
Responding to the Tsunami ~ Useful Websites
There is a tremendous amount of information to be found on the internet. This list has been compiled from a variety of sources including the DEA and Staffordshire Learning Net.
I would strongly recommend the Staffordshire Learning Net as a source of information. Teachers have been using the online forum on the Geography pages as a place to log their responses and thoughts, since Boxing Day. There are useful suggestions for classroom discussion and links to websites, as well as teachers’ reflections and concerns on how best to respond within the classroom. One teacher has also posted a powerpoint presentation here which teachers have found useful.
Staffordshire learning net:
Jackie Zammit
Tide~ Centre Coordinator
Educational resources
Talking about the Asian Tsunami
Ideas for work in the classroom from Diane Swift, Geographical Association, using a place-based enquiry approach. The materials help develop children’s understanding of the physical world and to consider the political and moral dimensions of the disaster. Connections are explored between the disaster and children’s own lives.
Can be viewed at
Or
Global Express
Manchester Development Education Project.
Global Express provides a rapid response service to the news. It gives facts about the events and teaching ideas. An excellent resource and very acccessible. Aimed at KS2 and 3.
Edition 24, Feb 2001: After the Earthquake – produced in response to the Gujarat earthquake. Gives some useful teaching ideas.
Global Express are also producing a Tsunami special edition. See the website for further information or email
Satellite Images
These images of the affected area, before and after the event, show the dramatic impact of the tsunami waves.
Teacher Resource Exchange
Strongly recommended for links to several other useful web sites, worksheets, graphs and so on.
The Red Cross have produced two assembly kits. The primary pack includes photographs and role play presentation. The secondary includes photographs and an agree/disagree activity.
The Education Project, Asia: This website is designed to support the international school communities (teachers, support staff, administrators, students and families) in 17 countries in South East Asia. Has useful links to teaching resources and a section for supporting children who have been directly affected by the disaster.
Oxfam has put together online support for teachers that enables young people to explore and understand key issues relating to global catastrophes. You can access the free online Dealing with Disasters resource here:
Global Dimension
Links to information on teaching resources for all key stages including
Natural Disasters published by the Humanities Education Centre, a short resource that looks at how to introduce media stories about natural disasters to primary aged children, and presents ideas for discussion and reflection. The issues covered in the resource include hurricanes, earthquakes, water and floods and famine, and gives ideas about further resources and activities.
Citizenship-global
Links to information to support the global dimension to Citizenship
education, including guidance on dealing with sensitive and controversial issues.
Save the children
Resources for primary and secondary schools including assembly packs, classroom resources and a poster.
News reports and perspectives
Royal Geographical Society
Geography resources for teachers and students from the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG).
BBC website
Click on Asia Quake Disaster – In depth
How the earthquake affected east coast of Africa.
CBBC Newsround.
Accessible information for young people and discussion forums.
Guardian special report
The Independent
‘Could the tsunami disaster be a turning point for the world?’
CNN
After the Tsunami – special report
The Times
‘Humbled by nature's power’.
An article from the Times which teachers have found particularly useful.
Sky
How the tsunami demonstrates effects of climate change.
Sri Lankan news
Poseidon Bungalows
Photos and personal story from Swedish owner of hotel in Khao Lak, Thailand
Thai newspapers
The Bangkok Post
The Nation
Official Thai Tsunami Information Site:
India newspapers
Links to all major newspapers published in India.
Indonesia newspapers
Somali news
UNESCO Director-General
United Nations
Information about earthquakes and tsunamis
Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre.
Click on tsunamiready for info about how countries prepare themselves for tsunamis.
USGS Earthquake Hazards Programme
Gives up to date information on the scale and frequency of the most recent earthquakes.
National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology
Uses maps, diagrams and animation to show the extent of the earthquake and aftershocks
The Guardian has an animation showing how and where earthquakes take place.
BBC Hot Topics: Natural disasters
Other useful resources
- What is development?
- Fat felts and sugar paper
- Whose citizenship? A teacher’s toolkit.
These are published by and available from Tide~