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Causes of the Saguenay Flood
Project type: Introductory Activity
Related topic:
The Saguenay Flood
The Saguenay Flood
Subjects
Social Studies
Geography
Science
Geography
Science
Summary
In this introductory activity, students identify the causes, both natural and human, that contributed to the destruction of the Saguenay Flood.
Duration
1 lesson
Purpose
To identify causes of natural disasters and ways to prevent them
Before Exploring
Ask students what they know about floods that have happened in Canada and the world, and the reasons why those floods happened. In the process of this discussion, create a basic list of factors that define and illustrate the nature of flooding disasters. Keep this list for comparison with the later lists developed by students in reference to the Saguenay Flood.
Outline the Opportunity
Direct students to the Saguenay Flood topic on the CBC Radio and Television Archives Web site. Have them search for references to the causes of the flooding and create two lists showing the natural and man-made factors that contributed to the disaster in the region. They should then find examples of the destruction caused by the flood, and try to identify what damage might have been preventable and why.
Revisit and Reflect
Have students share their answers and create a large classroom chart showing the information gathered by the class. This can be used for future reference when discussing other natural disasters.
Extension
Have students research other Canadian flood disasters. Look for similar patterns of destruction and identify the natural and man-made factors influencing these disasters for comparison with the Saguenay Flood.
