Current Events Study: Nepal Earthquake

Today, we're going to spend some time learning about and discussing the recent Earthquake in Nepal.  
Why? It's important to be informed about world events
Why? Because #Interconnectedness, #GetYoselfEducated #BeingCulturedIsCool #GetOutOfYoBubble

1. Let's watch some videos to understand the effect of the earthquake:
“Katmandu: Before the Quake” (What was the capitol like before the event?)
“Fear and Limbo in Katmandu” (How are survivors coping after the event?)

2. As we watch and read about the news of devastation thousands of miles away from the United States, it can be easy to get sucked into a sensational media event that distorts the actual events, emotions and needs of the people on the ground. To combat that human tendency and to exhibit the critical eye Animas students pride themselves on, let's take a look at Jonathan M. Katz’s essay “How Not to Report on an Earthquake,” about his experiences during the 2010 Haiti earthquake, and then consider how as media consumers (and perhaps as producers someday), we should be asking thoughtful questions about what stories are being told in the news media, and what stories are frequently not being told during a natural disaster like the one affecting Nepal right now.

3. Optional Extension Ideas: If you are ahead of the game with exhibition prep, I'd encourage you to do some additional research on a topic that interests you: ThisNew York Times "Learning Network" Website has a variety of articles about sub-topics regarding the earthquake.  You can read/watch/hear more about recovery efforts, the Mt. Everest avalanche, destruction of national treasures, seismology, history and politics, etc..

4. Exhibition Prep!  See Monday's DP