Before Watching
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This program describes some of the meteorological and
hydrological forces that can cause a flood. Before showing the
program, review some of the terms that will be presented, such
as floodplain, flood crest, watershed, runoff, levee, and
dam. As students watch the program, have them pay
attention to the use of these terms in relation to the flooding
depicted in the program.
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Using a set of topographical maps of the United States (showing
state boundaries), have students locate the Mississippi and
Missouri rivers, noting the names and number of states and
regions of the country through which these two large rivers
flow. In addition, have students try to locate some of the
principal tributaries that feed into the rivers. Point out that
all of the smaller waterways combine to send water south to the
Gulf of Mexico. As they watch the program, encourage students to
observe the results of the continued additions of water from
more and more tributaries during the buildup of the Great Flood
of 1993.
After Watching
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After students have watched this program, ask them to explain
their understanding of how a levee works. What is the
significance of the shape and size of a levee? What are some of
the consequences of building a levee?
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Some experts in the program argue that human interference with
the rivers and the surrounding terrain was a significant factor
in the flooding that occurred in the summer of 1993. In
addition, they point to the risks that people take when they
choose to live in a floodplain. What do students think they
think about the effect of human interference with the natural
flow of the rivers? What are some of the reasons that people
build their homes, farms, and businesses in the floodplain?
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