Common Core State Standard L.CCS.1/2/3/4 Grades 6-12: Video of a current news event is presented for discussion to encourage student participation, but also inspire the use of evidence to support logical claims using the main ideas of the video. Students must analyze background information provided about a current event, draw out the main ideas and key details, and review different opinions on the issue. Then, students should present their own claims using facts and analysis for support.
10/07/2024
A huge cavern helps Tokyo prepare for a changing climate
Japan spent $1.63 billion to build a giant underground cavern and a vast network of large tunnels to capture, store and remove floodwaters that threaten Tokyo and its 41 million metropolitan residents. Since it was built in 2006, it has saved more than $1 billion in flood damage. But, as global warming increases the size of storms, Japan is racing to expand its massive system to handle more severe flooding.
■Class discussion: Can huge infrastructure projects like the one in Tokyo help us stay safe from climate change? Why or why not? What is your city or state doing to prepare for the impact of global warming? Will people be forced to move as the climate changes? Where can they go to find safety? Is there anywhere in the world that is not threatened in some way by our changing weather?
