Checking out just a few of the many links on the NY Time’s Learning Network to gain insight and knowledge on the recent Tsunami in Japan, I was fascinated by one article in particular that talked about the power of water. Being a genuine water enthusiast – from waterskiing across glassy lake surfaces in late afternoon sun, to body surfing a wave from 20 yards out at sea into a tumble crash landing at shore, to just relaxing in a tub – I have always loved the buoyant comfort of being submerged in the stuff. When I learned from the article “The Destructive Power of Water” that a mere one-cubic yard of it weighs 1700 pounds I was shocked. I honestly don’t think I would have guessed even half that much if ever asked. It helped put all my fuzzy feelings about water into a bit of perspective. The weight and force of water is just incredible and, as we have seen through devastating events over the past several years, if not paid proper respect and attention it can cream you in a split second. The story of the energy and force in water thus, is a lesson worth teaching and learning well.
Out of disaster it is hopeful to know that there is something to be gained and learned. As the article and its many links makes abundantly clear, there are lessons to be learned from devastation in several different ways and disciplines. Math and science can help explain to us plate tectonics and moveable force, economics can teach us about the effects on global economies, history can show us the ways societies have dealt with natural disasters in the past and prepared for them in the future, and languages can facilitate how we report on and communicate its effects on the human condition. And by learning a few of these things, or even just one, we just might discover something enlightening or specific that can help prevent them in the future, or at the very least, mitigate their effects. It is by viewing all that we do, and all that we have done to us, through the means of genuine care, interest and study that we as individuals and people achieve greater success as humanity. Even from out of disaster, these are lessons worth learning.
Absolutely - in fact, an interesting angle for you, with French and English content expertise, would be to consider the impact of water in New Orleans.
ReplyDeleteHow'd you feel about the UbD reading?
Salut Charles,
ReplyDelete"Being a genuine water enthusiast – from waterskiing across glassy lake surfaces in late afternoon sun, to body surfing a wave from 20 yards out at sea into a tumble crash landing at shore, to just relaxing in a tub – I have always loved the buoyant comfort of being submerged in the stuff. " I have nothing intelligent or insightful on this comment; C'était amusant, c'est tout ce que je veux dire.
Tu as mentionné une hésitation concernant le blog. Ne t' inquiete pas. Ton blog est super, surtout comme débutant de l'univers de téchnologie. Bon courage.
~Mindy