Middle school students can think critically about risk and responsibility. FEMA’s Be a Hero curriculum for grades 6 through 8 challenges them to move from awareness to action, applying preparedness to their own lives and communities.

⚠️ The “They will figure it out” assumption. Middle schoolers need structured guidance to turn awareness into action. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, problem solving, and leadership, so students do not just learn about preparedness, they practice it.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended as, and should not be considered, professional or educational advice. Adapt all activities to the age and needs of your students.

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The Readiness Audit

Can the middle school students in your life apply preparedness?

• 🟢 Green: They can assess risks, build a plan, and lead preparedness efforts.
• 🟡 Yellow: They understand emergencies but have not applied the knowledge.
• 🔴 Red: They have never been taught about emergency preparedness.

If you are Yellow or Red, execute Phase 1 immediately.

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Phase 1: Understand Risk

Goal: Teach students to think critically about hazards.

• The question: What hazards could affect my community, and how vulnerable are we?
• The learning: Analyze the causes and impacts of different emergencies.
• The depth: Help students assess risk and responsibility.

The Takeaway: Understanding risk is the foundation of responsibility.

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Phase 2: Prepare and Plan

Goal: Teach students to build kits and make plans.

• The kit: Build a comprehensive emergency kit and explain each item.
• The plan: Create a family communications plan and practice it.
• The review: Evaluate and improve plans based on real-world scenarios.

The Takeaway: Preparation is a skill students can lead.

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Phase 3: Lead and Respond

Goal: Teach students to take action and lead.

• The actions: Demonstrate safe behaviors for different emergencies.
• The leadership: Empower students to lead preparedness in their families and schools.
• The project: Create a project that impacts the community.

The Takeaway: Prepared students become prepared leaders.

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The Essential Kit Checklist

• Lesson 1: Teach risk assessment and hazard analysis.
• Lesson 2: Build a kit and family communications plan.
• Lesson 3: Practice safe actions and leadership.
• The project: Help students lead a community preparedness effort.

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Scenario Planner (Contingencies)

“My students are not interested in preparedness.” The trap: assuming disinterest. The fix: connect preparedness to real-world events and their own lives. Relevance drives engagement.

“Preparedness is too serious for middle school.” The trap: underestimating students. The fix: middle schoolers are ready for responsibility. Give them the tools and let them lead.

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Next: Read Part 4: Grades 9-12 to empower high school students to become preparedness leaders.