The Dust Bowl

Worksheet Description

This worksheet explores the catastrophic Dust Bowl of the 1930s, one of the most severe environmental disasters in American history. It details the combination of drought, poor agricultural practices, and adverse weather conditions that led to the devastation of vast tracts of farmland across the Great Plains. The narrative explains how the Dust Bowl exacerbated the economic hardships of the Great Depression, leading to widespread displacement and enduring poverty for many farming families. It also discusses the broader environmental and health impacts, including dust storms that reached as far as Washington, D.C., affecting air quality and public health.

The educational goal of this worksheet is to teach students about the ecological, economic, and social consequences of the Dust Bowl. It aims to illustrate the importance of sustainable land management practices by showing the long-term impacts of environmental neglect. Students will learn about the interplay between human activity and environmental change and how it can lead to widespread disaster. Furthermore, the worksheet encourages students to think critically about how historical events such as the Dust Bowl shape policies and practices in contemporary environmental management.