Canada is dealing with over 800 wildfires at the moment. The smoke from these fires is spreading south into US cities such as Detroit, New York, and Toronto. Officials have given out air quality warnings and are advising people to stay inside. In these cities, many are using masks to guard against breathing in smoke.
Outdoor events have been canceled in many affected regions. This includes summer camps and concerts, like the Black Keys show in Chicago. The thick smoke has obscured famous buildings like the Empire State Building. New York's governor has labeled it a major health concern.
The fires are mainly in Ontario, with heavy smoke impacting distant places. The smoke has even drifted to western New York and New England. It is crucial for residents in these places to be careful and follow health recommendations. Staying indoors and using masks can help protect against the smoky air.
Original news source: Canada fires prompt US air quality alerts as smoke blankets major cities – BBC News (BBC)
π§ Listen:
π Vocabulary:
Group or Classroom Activities
Warm-up Activities:
1. Share an experience you had when it was hard to breathe outside.
2. What activities do you think would be canceled if there was a lot of smoke outside?
3. Talk about a time when you saw or experienced a lot of smoke.
4. How do you feel when there's an environmental warning in your area?
5. Discuss why it might be important to stay indoors during a smoke alert.
π€ Comprehension Questions:
Canada is experiencing over 800 wildfires.
Cities such as Detroit, New York, and Toronto are being affected.
Officials have advised people to stay indoors and wear masks.
Outdoor activities were canceled to protect people from the smoke.
The Empire State Building has been hard to see.
The governor of New York called it a serious health situation.
The fires are mainly located in the Ontario region.
π§βοΈ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:
Canada is dealing with over 800 wildfires at the moment. The smoke from these is spreading south into US cities such as Detroit, New York, and Toronto. Officials have out air quality and are advising to stay inside. In these cities, many are using masks to guard against breathing in smoke. Outdoor events have been canceled in many affected regions. This includes summer camps and , like the Black show in Chicago. The thick smoke has obscured buildings like the Empire Building. New York's governor has labeled it a major health concern. The fires are mainly in Ontario, with heavy smoke distant places. The smoke has even drifted to western New York and New England. It is crucial for residents in these places to be careful and follow health recommendations. indoors and using masks can against the smoky air.
π¬ Discussion Questions:
1. Have you ever worn a mask to protect yourself from something? When and why?
2. What do you do when the air quality is bad in your city?
3. Why do you think it's important for officials to issue alerts?
4. How does smoke from fires in one place affect people in another place?
5. What can communities do to help during a situation like this?
6. How would you feel if your favorite concert or event was canceled due to smoke?
7. What types of dangers can smoke pose to health?
8. Do you know any other natural disasters that impact large areas?
9. How can people stay safe during wildfire smoke events?
10. Why might it be hard to see things clearly when it's smoky?
11. What can people do to prepare for bad air quality days?
12. Why is it important for leaders to address health concerns during events like wildfires?
Individual Activities
ππ Vocabulary Meanings:
Click a dot next to a word, then click the dot next to its meaning to draw a line connecting them.
