Debris Flow
Objective: This worksheet aims to educate students about debris flows, including their natural causes, human contributions to their occurrence, and various protective and preventative measures, while also developing their comprehension and critical thinking skills regarding natural disasters.
Content and methods: The worksheet starts by engaging students with a video of a debris flow in the Swiss Alps, followed by a class discussion on what was seen, the meaning of "debris flow," and the video's setting. It then introduces tweets from a character named Amina, who experiences a debris flow during her vacation in the mountains, prompting students to reflect on their feelings in such a situation. The worksheet provides an informational text about a region prone to debris flows, discussing its geography, cultural mix, and a past disaster. Multiple-choice questions assess comprehension of this text. Further, the worksheet explains what debris flows are, how human activities (deforestation, building on steep slopes, altering rivers) contribute to them, and what preventative measures (planting trees, careful building, protecting waterways) and protective measures (retaining walls, catch basins, early warning systems) can be taken. True/false questions test understanding of these concepts. Finally, a word puzzle reinforces vocabulary related to debris flows.
Competencies:
- Listening comprehension
- Reading comprehension
- Understanding of natural phenomena (debris flows)
- Identification of cause and effect (human impact on natural disasters)
- Problem-solving (prevention and protection measures)
- Vocabulary acquisition
Target group: 7th-9th grade
50 other teachers use this template
Target group and level
Grade 7 and above
Subjects
Debris Flow
Amina @AminaLovesNature
Just reached the top of a snowy peak in the Swiss Alps with my parents! The view is out of this world! ❄️🏔️ #FamilyAdventure #SwissAlps
Amina @AminaLovesNature
Went sledding down a slope today! So much fun and laughter! Can't believe how fast we went! 🛷😂 #SleddingFun #BestVacationEver
Amina @AminaLovesNature
Built a snowman with my mom and dad! We named him Frosty Jr. ☃️❤️ This trip is the best! #Snowman #MountainLife
Amina @AminaLovesNature
OMG! A debris flow just happened near our cabin! 😱 Super scary but we're all okay. #StaySafe #NatureIsWild
Amina @AminaLovesNature
So thankful my family and I are safe after that debris flow. Nature is beautiful but can be so dangerous. #Thankful #SafeAndSound
Choose the correct answer for each question.
What are debris flows and how do humans contribute to their occurrence?
Debris flows are a type of natural disaster where mud, stones, and water slide down a slope. This can happen when there is a lot of rain or when snow melts. But did you know that humans can also contribute to the occurrence of debris flows?
How do humans contribute?
- Deforestation: Trees hold the soil in place. When people cut down too many trees, the soil can become loose and slide more easily.
- Building on steep slopes: When people build houses or roads on very steep slopes, it can destabilize the soil.
- Altering rivers and streams: When people divert rivers or streams, it can change the landscape and weaken the soil.
What can people do to prevent debris flows?
- Plant trees: Trees help hold the soil in place. More trees mean less risk of debris flows.
- Build carefully: People should be cautious about building on very steep slopes. If necessary, they can use special techniques to stabilize the soil.
- Protect waterways: People should try to change rivers and streams as little as possible.
Protection measures against debris flows
There are also various protective measures that people can take to shield themselves from debris flows:
- Retaining walls: These walls can be built on slopes to hold the soil in place and prevent it from sliding.
- Catch basins: These basins collect mud and stones before they can cause damage.
- Early warning systems: With special devices, scientists can predict debris flows. This allows people to be warned in time and seek safety.
By being careful and respecting nature, we can help prevent debris flows and protect ourselves.