Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Water, Water Everywhere: The Johnstown Flood

For Teachers 4th - 8th
Students analyze the events that lead up to the failure of the South Fork Dam and the impact the flood had on the region. For this historical lesson students develop presentations on the Johnstown Flood.
Handout
Library of Congress

Loc: America's Story: Johnstown Flood

For Students 3rd - 8th
Read about the terrible destruction caused by the Johnstown Flood in May 1889.
Website
Curated OER

National Park Service: Johnstown Flood National Memorial

For Students 3rd - 8th
An enlightening website tells the story of the "1889 flood that devastated Pennsylvania." Click on the pictures to learn interesting details about the flood and the damage it caused.
Website
Other

Pennsylvania Railroad: History of the Johnstown Flood

For Students 9th - 10th
An illustrated history of the famous flood that was written in 1889. Report starts from the breaking of the South Fork Dam and continues to relief efforts.
Website
Other

Johnstown Area Heritage Association: Flood Resources

For Students 9th - 10th
Explore the heritage of Johnstown, and find pictures and facts about the historic 1889 flood.
Website
Other

Historic Information: Johnstown, Pa

For Students 9th - 10th
Historic information on the town of Johnstown before the flood, during the flood, and after. Click on "A Roar Like Thunder, May 31, 1889" to read an account of the flood itself.
Website
Library of Congress

Loc: America's Story: Gilded Age (1878 1889)

For Students 5th - 8th Standards
After a brief description of the economy in the Gilded Age, find links to stories about many cultural events of the age. Read about Jim Thorpe, the Johnstown flood, and the first Coca-Cola, among other stories.