What Fueled the Hawaiian Wildfires that Killed Dozens and Leveled Historic Lahaina Town
Ask students: What town is now shrouded in a blanket of thick smoke? When did Hawaiian history at Lahaina begin?
Summary
Crews are still fighting fires on the Hawaiian island of Maui. At least 100 people are known dead and more than 270 buildings damaged or destroyed across a blackened landscape. It’s the nation’s deadliest fire disaster in five years. Amna Nawaz discussed the fires with KITV meteorologist Malika Dudley.
For a transcript of this story, click here
For the latest news on the wildfires in Maui, click here.
News wrap alternative: Check out recent segments from the NewsHour, and choose the story you’re most interested in watching. You can make a Google doc copy of discussion questions that work for any of the stories here.
Five Facts
- What town is now shrouded in a blanket of thick smoke?
- When did Hawaiian history at Lahaina begin?
- Why did some people run into the ocean?
- Where did a Hawaiian king’s palace once stand?
- Who does Richard Olsten work for?
Focus Questions
How can physical objects represent cultural history?
News Analysis: What types of questions should reporters ask in emotionally intense stories like this?
Alternative: See, Think, Wonder: What did you notice? What did the story make you think? What story would you want to find out more about? Where would you go to learn more?
For More
What students can do: Discuss — How can you help the victims of the Maui fire?
Student Video of the Day: (December 18, 2020)
Republished with permission from PBS NewsHour Classroom.
Disaster Recovery and Preparedness: Lesson Plans and Resources
Devastation, loss of life, and trauma following a natural disaster like hurricanes, earthquakes or wildfires can be emotionally damaging to our children. Share My Lesson’s curated collection of free resources will help not only you and your students, but your school and community understand and cope with natural disasters and their aftermath.
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