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Master of disaster
The partnership to develop the game grew
out of FEMA's desire to develop educational materials
that would teach disaster skills to teenagers and Purdue
Extension's long-standing efforts in disaster-preparedness
education.
"We wanted a way to educate kids about
disasters so that they would be safe, especially when they
are home alone and may have no way to call anyone else," Cain
says. "While it's crucial that local officials
prepare for major problems, families can, too, and kids can
help with that."
FEMA's Ralph Swisher says that most
disaster education materials are targeted to younger children. "We
chose to focus on older kids for this project because they
can take on more responsibility and are interested in the
science and technical aspects of disasters."
Swisher and Cain also note that families
can volunteer to help during local emergencies. The game
helps teens prepare for this type of community service. Teachers
may use the CD-ROM in the classroom in conjunction with lessons
on natural disasters. Extension educators or local emergency
managers can also use it in educational meetings or in informal
settings.
"We think students will find this learning
tool really attractive," says Tormoehlen. "Kids
love computer games, and the potential to be a hero may give
them incentive to retain more knowledge about disasters."
Details on the release of the game are available
online at www.extension.purdue.edu/eden/disasters.
Related link
Master of disaster
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