Students run the command centre, reacting to each new weather data announcement and making decisions for the city. They are provided with detailed maps of New Orleans, coastal flood charts, photographs and a streaming weather information service for the class to assess and react to in the different roles they've been given. Some are information officers, other are crisis managers and they are responsible for informing and updating the US President's office as the crisis unfolds. The actions each group takes as new information arrives are marked as they are asked to find out what changes in weather conditions will mean for the people in New Orleans caught up in Hurricane Katrina. Teacher Emma gives an informative breakdown of the philosophy, aims and value for pupils of the exercise. Her lesson plan accompanies the video.

Video Series: Great Lesson Ideas
Release Date 2010