National Suicide Prevention Hotline
Federal Railroad Administration
Basic Railroad Safety
June 2021
Target Audience: Grades 7-12
Abstract:
This site is written to teach students and even adults about Railroad Safety. It's intent is to show examples of what can happen when you don't follow safety rules. Safety is one of those things everyone can benefit from. Unfortunately, some of the stories didn't have fairy tale endings. Lives were shattered by a poor choice made. All the videos and text show something personal and a human connection that a straight lecture can't. You see the victims and the impact of what happened. These videos are graphic because they need to be in order to tell the WHOLE story of what happens if you make dangerous choices around railroads.
Essential Questions:
What can we do to prevent railroad tragedies in this country?
How do we act around trains?
What can happen from our choices?
Will all we do to educate stop people from making poor choices?
Who is ultimately responsible?
Objectives:
Students will learn that the choices they make do have lifetime consequences.
They will understand that trains are getting longer and harder to stop.
They will understanding that railroads and tracks are dangerous places.
They will understand the exposure to crime around railroads.
They will understand the hobo lifestyle is far from idyllic.
Students will understand that all of the tragedies can be prevented by making the choice to stay off and away from trains.
There is help if they are feeling suicidal.
Scaffolding of Knowledge: Webb's Depth of Knowledge
Knowledge- Students will understand what trains are and the concepts of how they work. They will learn about hazards, fatalities and things that are very dangerous along a railroad. Laws and the consequences for breaking them are also a part of this webquest.
Application- Students will look into how trains and railroad safety fit into their daily lives. They will examine several videos with various outcomes following accidents as well as living with a disability. They will also be examining hazards and things that are dangerous along a railroad as well as how laws fit into this. Students will also learn about finding help for themselves if they want to commit suicide. The impact of death on friends, train crew and family will also be applied.
Reflection- Students will be learning this knowledge in order to be safe around trains and realize how dangerous it is to be on railroad tracks. Understanding what trains are and what can happen to them is the most important part of this webquest. They will understand that the best way to avoid injury and death is to make a better choice. Something simple as a good choice can make all the difference. A bad one doesn't just impact them. Friends, family and the train crews all feel it. Accountability and consequences for these behaviors is a part of being an adult. Laws are meant to protect people and if help is needed, they can call hotlines or get help if they are feeling suicidal.
Extension- They can also use the knowledge to not only help themselves, but help their friends if they are in a situation where bad decisions will be made. In addition, they can look out for their friends instead of trying to be cool. They can pass the contents of the webquest onto their children and that may help to reduce fatalities and injuries on our railroads. They can also become better citizens with a better understanding of the law and its consequences if they break it.
Interactive and Presentation Tools Used:
YouTube videos
A computer, laptop or tablet.
Google Documents
Webquest Materials:
There will be 5 activities consisting of 20 points each. Students will then write a paper or present a project to the class. Refer to the Tasks page for materials relevant to this webquest.
Standards:
This project is to be used as a supplement to National Rail Safety Week and also at points during the schoolyear. These are per the revised NJCCLS.
Social Studies:
6.1.2.CivicsPR.2: Cite evidence that explains why rules and laws are necessary at home, in schools, and in communities.
6.1.2.CivicsCM.1: Describe why it is important that individuals assume personal and civic responsibilities in a democratic society.
As people have varying abilities within a class, people on all levels can participate in this project and contribute to it. Students with learning disabilities can work with people in a group who are more proficient to help them improve their skills. While it may sound idealistic on paper, in application, it might be a challenge. Guidance from a teacher may be required for both types of learners to ensure a positive learning experience. The resources I have as REFERENCE will probably appeal to the reader, but the videos will help the audio visual learners grasp the material for each part of the project. There will also be varying levels of technological proficiency of the students. This project allows the student to use the methods that work best for them or learn how to use another form of technology if they choose. Since this project involves gathering information using technology, the physically handicapped can also participate. For students with learning disabilities, the content can be copied into an adobe PDF file and read aloud. This shows the words as they are spoken. The goal is to try to make this project as inclusive and accessible as possible.
The technology is very simple, accessible and basic. Computers- both laptop and tablet, smartphones, email, and the internet are all a part of this particular project. Students can work together in person or coordinate their efforts through Google or use cell phones to work on the project. If students lack the smartphone, there are still other means to access the materials and accomplish the goal of the project. Students will fill out a worksheet while using Computational Thinking and comparing findings with classmates.
As for ESL, requirements, students can look at the documentation through Bing Translator. It can take English and convert it to Spanish and vice versa. Google and Bing translators can also be useful for converting the documents on the process page to any language. Teachers can copy and paste the text in a student's native language. They can also do the same with their group work. Bing Translator also has the ability to speak the other language so people not familiar can pick up on how to pronounce it and can be useful in teaching a foreign language with increased international cooperation needed for space exploration. Students with difficulties reading can also have their PDF files read to them. YouTube can be slowed down and there are subtitles to help in reading skills.