The drought gripping rural communities nationwide can be used as a learning opportunity for students, and plenty of resources are available for classroom teachers.
Just last week, U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack chaired a meeting of the White House Rural Council to update members and stakeholders on the administration’s response to the drought and find more ways to assist those who are suffering.
The U.S. Drought Monitor showed a widespread intensification of drought through the middle of the country last week, with more than half of the U.S. being in a moderate drought or worse. That’s affecting many rural farming communities.
The U.S. Drought Portal has put together a list of resources for teaching the about the drought to kindergartners through high school seniors.
One of the Web sites listed is the National Drought Mitigation Center, which has a “Drought for Kids” section that gives an overview of the drought, including the science behind it, its impact, and what residents can do to prepare for drought. Check it out.