Big Screen Learning

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Runtime: 45

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Hurricane on the Bayou

This interesting IMAX movie shows the effects of channelization and erosion on the Mississippi River Delta in Louisiana. It also describes the effects of Hurricane Katrina on the ecosystem and the people of Louisiana. It is interesting to see Louisiana, its flora, fauna, Cajuns, and other residents of the country, as they try to survive a hurricane, despite the loss of much of the wetlands that softened previous hurricanes and storm surges associated with the massive amounts of wind and rain accompanying such storms.

The damage done to some of the infrastructure of Louisiana has to be seen to be believed, and this film does good service of showing houses crumbling under fallen trees, utility poles pushed to the ground, a vehicle crushed by a house lifted and moved on top of the vehicle, and fishing boats pushed on top of a major highway. The city of New Orleans is shown with water covering most of their streets and the bottom floors of houses, with the only escape route for many residents being by boat.

But, New Orleans is shown to be very resilient and determined to build itself back even better than before. And, the actors and actresses in this film are all very talented musicians. The film is full of music, including zydeco, blues, and other local songs.

Curriculum Resources

Teachers' Guide