Natural disasters traumatize communities and disrupt learning in school; however, they also provide teachable moments for students to engage in learning that is relevant, service-oriented, and place-based. Inspired by local impacts of Hurricane Helene, preservice teacher candidates at Western Carolina University used Dave Burgess’ “Teach like a PIRATE” framework to design engaging lessons that “hook” learners. Presenters will share lessons addressing four objectives: (1) Students will assess and evaluate individual and community responses to a natural disaster based on expert information about disaster preparedness and response. (2) Students will create a natural disaster response plan for their family using expert information about disaster preparedness and response. (3) Students will explain the economic impact of natural disasters by comparing and contrasting the differences in cost of goods and services before and after a disaster. (4) Students will assess the impact of disaster relief efforts using primary and secondary sources of data.
