The two hurricanes, Rita and Katrina, that have impacted millions of people directly, and the rest of the US population indirectly, as well as many people around the world, bring home the importance of making science education real, and encouraging students to be engaged with real problems and events in nature. Too much science teaching goes on within the confines of the classroom; very little teaching brings students in contact with real phenomena that impact their lives. In the present scenarios of hurricanes originating in the Atlantic, and then moving into the Gulf of Mexico, conditions favored high category storms. There are a host of issues for students to get involved with here. Internet experiences can bring them in contact with others who are dealing with disasters, such as these two hurricanes, and with resources to help them become involved in these important events. A couple of links for you include Hurricane Katrina: A Citizen Resource and Get Real with Katrina.
