National Geographic Education: Conflict on the Danube

Details

Activity Description

In this activity, students read about a project to dam the Danube River for hydroelectric power and flood control, and the conflicts that surround the project. Then students take on stakeholder roles and imagine they will present their point of view about how the conflict can be solved to the International Court of Justice. They present to their classmates. Students are then asked to select an alternative location for the Gabcíkovo-Nagymaros Dam that causes less conflict in terms of environmental concerns, shifting borders, and trade.

 

Preparation

1. Review site tabs labeled Directions, Objectives, Preparation, and Background & Vocabulary
2. Study the two activities for this lesson. Be sure to select Expand Directions for more detailed instructions.
3. If it is necessary, modify to meet your students needs.
4. Check the Preparation tab for list of materials, resources, maps, and technology required. Print maps, other handouts, and worksheets as necessary.

How-To

1. Activity 1: Rivers and the Gabcíkovo-Nagymaros Project
   • Discuss the importance of rivers and display the Physical Map of the region .
   • Have students read about a project to dam the Danube River.
   • Create a timeline of events. (There is an online tool for creating timelines: Teachnology:Timeline Maker . You may want to try it)
   • Have groups take on stakeholder roles.
   • Have groups present their idea to the class.
   • Perform an informal Assessment
   • Extend the learning by watching the BBC video Glacier Melt Changes Italian Border .
2. Activity 2: Alternative Locations for the Dam
   • Have small groups discuss alternative locations for the Gab?íkovo dam.
   • Have groups present their new locations to the class.
   • Perform an informal assessment.
   • Extending the Learning - Have students research the use of rivers in their own region or state.

Teacher Tips

• Reinforce vocabulary list as these words may be included in the GED Social Studies test.
• Select Expand Directions to show all the directions for each activity.

More Ways

• The National Geographic Web site has lessons and activities for all grade levels on the main subjects of geography, science, and social studies. But often included in the learning objectives are other subjects such as mathematics, the arts, language arts, so they cover many disciplines. Explore it to find more lessons and activities to use with your students.

Program Areas

• ASE: High School Equivalency Preparation

Documents

• Conflict on the Danube.png - Screenshot of the Conflict on the Danube activity

Subjects

• Social Studies
  • World History

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