The Storm of the Century: The Blizzard of 49 is a WyomingPBS documentary.  This documentary tells the story of the worst series of storms in Wyoming's history.  But for all the tragedy and loss, suffering, and death, there was hope and heroism, unselfish sacrifice, and generosity. Students will learn about the Blizzard of 1949 and the emergency actions taken by the United States government in response. In the accompanying lessons plans (found in the Support Materials), students will watch short video clips describing the Blizzard of 1949 and Wyoming state response efforts. Students will answer questions tied to the video and have a class discussion about the Blizzard of 1949. 

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 

• Students will understand the purpose of the executive and legislative branches of government. 
• Students will give examples of needs, wants, and scarcity and describe how tools and technology make life easier. 
• Students will analyze and evaluate how physical changes influenced historical events. 
• Students will describe how the environment influences people in Wyoming and how people adjust to and/or change the environment in order to survive. 
• Students will practice speaking and listening skills. 
• Students will use independent and whole class strategies to describe and interpret information about the Blizzard of 1949. 
•  Students will describe how historical events impact the future. 
• Students will describe how tools and technology in different historical periods impacted the way people lived, made decisions, and saw the world. 
• Students will identify relevant primary and secondary sources for research and use and evaluate multiple sources of information in diverse formats and media in order to address a question or solve a problem. 
• Students will use digital tools to research, design, and present social studies concepts and use accurate, sufficient, and relevant information from primary and secondary sources to support writing. 
• Students will practice reading informational texts, writing, speaking and listening, and reading in Social Studies and History.

View the entire documentary at Blizzard of '49