Mississippi River Flood of 2019

In 2019 the Mississippi River flooded in Davenport, Iowa. At a height of 22.7 feet, the flood wall broke causing many businesses to be damaged. While there were no deaths, 22 people needed to be rescued. Weather forecasting can help people like those in Davenport to prepare their homes and businesses to avoid damage and remain safe.

Driving Question

How can forecasting floods help us stay safe?

Probing Questions

• Does it flood every year? Why or why not?
• What are your experiences with floods or flood preparation?
• How does weather forecasting prepare you for severe weather?

Classroom Activities

Students could:

• Observe a teacher-led experiment at a sink, where there is running water.
• Then the students can place sand in places that will cause the water to not run through anymore (which will cause the flood to stop), then have the students explain what they did and why it worked.
• Review the five-day forecast and state their opinion on what they would do to prepare for what the forecast looks like.
• Write one word on the board about what they thought or felt about the flood and then create a “picture” about the impact it had based on the words given.

Resources

• PBS LearningMedia | Be Prepared | Rise and Shine: Science Time: This is a video of a teacher explaining that we need to be prepared for what the weather is going to do.
• KWQC | Weather Forecast: This is a video of a newscaster in the Quad Cities discussing flash flooding.
• ABC Australia | How to Plan and Prepare for a Flood: Emergency Tips: This is a video that gives tips on how to plan and prepare for a flood.