Teaching 'The Dust Bowl' In The Classroom

[Frank W. Baker]

THE DUST BOWL (PBS) examines the worst man-made ecological disaster in American history documenting its causes, impact, and lessons as well as the personal stories of survival and human endurance. The curriculum for THE DUST BOWL explores these subjects through a wide range of classroom activities exploring history, public policy, economics and ecology.

Carefully selected video segments from the series are integrated into the lesson activities to highlight subject matter themes and enhance student understanding of the historical period. In addition, THE DUST BOWL lesson activities build students’ academic and critical thinking skills and provide opportunities culminating in projects such as documentaries, public forums, and digital storytelling.

With the wealth of new media opportunities now available in the classroom, the lessons for THE DUST BOWL utilize digital technologies that are teacher-friendly, regardless of a teacher’s technology skill level. The lessons are combined with substantive content and standards-based activities that will be useable for years to come.