American Red Cross Unit Study Lesson Plan

Since 1881, The American Red Cross, founded by Clara Barton has made it's emergency services available to the world. It all began by volunteers providing emergency care during World War I, later expanding its services, and always aiming to prevent and relieve suffering.

The American Red Cross advocates and trains in emergency preparedness in areas such as CPR and First Aid, Emergency Evacuation, Swimming and Water Safety, Disaster Response and More.

GRADE LEVEL: 5th-8th grade

OBJECTIVE OF AMERICAN RED CROSS UNIT STUDY LESSON PLAN:

The objective of the following lesson plan, is to encourage, and advocate to students the importance of not only basic first aid safety, but emergency preparedness as well.

The Unit study will cross over to various areas of study, and curriculum. This Unit Study Lesson plan can be used in a classroom or scouting setting as well as a home school or other educational environment.

READING:

Have students do research by reading the current news paper, and reviewing articles in reference to drowning, fires, etc.

Also share American Red Cross Resources with students in order to inform them of how to handle emergency situations such as a fire, a flood, earthquake, or injuries during these situations.

READING COMPREHENSION:

Have a class discussion about the articles, and what could have been done in order to prevent the incident. If it was purely accidental, discuss what measures could be taken in order to provide relief for the victims.

Have students collectively bring items to create an emergency preparedness kit. Based on resources from the American Red Cross, and the News Articles, discuss what things should be placed in the kit. I suggest a Red Back Back, that is clearly labeled EMERGENCY! This can be one backpack for the classroom, or individual backpacks and items for students to use at home.

This is an excellent opportunity for students to show that they understood the information in which they read, and hoe to use it in a real life scenario.

WRITING:

Have students do research using the American Red Cross website, the yellow pages, or online resources in order to create a contact sheet of emergency contacts. This should include, fire department, police, poison control, neighbors, family, Veterinarian, etc.

In addition to the contact sheet, students should also have a written step by step plan of what to do in the case of emergency, i.e Call 911, Call Family that lives close by, where to meet in case of an emergency etc.

This is a great opportunity for students to understand the importance of neat and legible writing, as well as spelling. Stress the importance of the information needed during the emergency and that the written work is nice and neat.

GEOGRAPHY:

Have students create an evacuation plan. One for their home or school, as well as for the city itself. This is a great opportunity for students to get to know their neighborhood, where the fire department is, the police station, the nearest hospital, and freeway entrances.

The evacuation plan should demonstrate the students ability to use their written plan to show a visual representation of a way out of the building and or city, and where to meet with others, such as a tree across the street, etc. Examples are shown on the American Red Cross Website.

MATH:

Have students complete a floor plan, that includes measurements for the classroom, or their home. Labeling each room, where smoke detectors and fire extinguishers are located. This is an excellent opportunity for students to make use of their knowledge of measurements.

ART:

For instructors and students that would like to demonstrate their knowledge in a more artistic manner. Posters can also be created showing step by step instruction of what to do in case of an emergency. Save for example how to badge a cut, or how to get down low during a fire. These will make great decoration and reminders in any classroom.

ASSESSMENT:

Have students do a simulation of a classroom evacuation. Meeting at the designated place, following the plan. To make the assessment even more challenging, make use of the kit, and simulate injuries, such as a cut leg, etc. on the way to the meeting place.

Resources Cited:

American Red Cross
Retrieved Tuesday, February 22, 2011.