Natural disasters are something increasingly present in our world. Studying these phenomena covers a broad variety of educational subjects including geography, sociology, history, and science. They are a great tool for studying the godly characteristic of service as well. When studying Hurricane Katrina, the Northridge earthquake, or the eruption of Mount St. Helens take the opportunity to attach spiritual principles to the facts and historical events our students are required to learn anyway. It is important for us as parent-teachers to take advantage of everyday material. Natural disasters not only show a country coming together to help one another in crisis, they also remind us that we ought to serve our fellow man whenever and wherever we have opportunity and ability, not just in the midst of turmoil.

The U.S. Geological Survey provides free information on earthquakes and volcanoes. www.usgs.gov. The educational area of this site is www.education.usgs.gov.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is the information gathering center for all things concerning weather. They offer information on how to keep a weather log and alert the general public through weather warnings. www.nws.noaa.gov. They offer a “cool sites for everyone” section at www.education.noaa.gov/cweather.html and a section for kids with free downloadable materials at www.nws.noaa.gov/om/reachout/kidspage.shtml.

Focus on the Family is a great place to start when looking for resources to teach your children about the biblical mandate of servanthood. Here is one article I found that gives a good outline for lesson planning. www.family.org/parenting/A000004263.cfm