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Educational Resources - Water and Dust

Damaged buildings after the 1881 flood in Vermillion, South Dakota.

Episode Guide

Things To Do

1. Watch Water and Dust.

2. Complete Episode Quiz individually or as a group. (Note: The quiz has additional information and related video.)

3. Student Glossary (PDF)

- Print Crossword Puzzle, (answers), and distribute to the class.

- Guided Notes (answers)

 4. Discussion Cards (PDF)

 5. Class Activity - Inquiry: Heat Transfer Activity

Episode Script

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In The Moment Interview 

Are The Great Plains Headed Toward Another Dust Bowl? (August 2021)

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On this page you will find educational resources for the Dakota Pathways episode called Water and Dust. There is an episode guide, additional videos, activities, and more.

Related Resources

Archival photo of a 1916 flood near Yankton, SD. A farm is shown surrounded by flood water.

A Meandering Past

One of the first floods to be recorded at the confluence of the James River and the Missouri River occurred in 1881.

Flooded street after the Rapid City Flood of 1972.  A small boat is filled upside down in the foreground, with many damaged cars in the background.

The 1972 Rapid City Flood

On June 9, 1972, an exceptionally heavy rain fell on areas of the Black Hills that were already saturated by higher-than-normal seasonal precipitation, leading to a flood.

  Bleached buffalo skull lying on dry, cracked ground.

Great Depression Photo Still Sparks Debate: Edited Photos -- View Warning Below -- 

Learn about Farm Security Administration photographer Arthur Rothstein’s famous 1936 bleached steer skull and other staged or edited images. Also view THE PLOW THAT BROKE THE PLAINS 

NOTE: The Bronx Documentary Center, Altered Images: 150 Years of Posed and Manipulated Documentary Photography exhibit found in the Support Materials Section contains sensitive content. View each example for inappropriate content – some contain GRAPHIC IMAGES and NUDITY.  

The aftermath of the 1972 flood, the backends of nine cars are stacked in a row on top of each other.

Revisit the flood, 50 years later

June 9th, 2022, marks the 50th anniversary of the Black Hills Flood of 1972, in which 238 lives were lost. The anniversary brings a flood of memories for survivors.

Memories of the Depression and the Dust Bowl with Irean Jordan of Faith 

The Depression and Dust Bowl were tough times for many South Dakotans. Today, Irean Jordan of Faith is among only a few South Dakotans who remember the drought, the dust, and the hunger. 

Combine in a cornfield.

Change at the Climate Divide

Historically, the 100th meridian marked the shift from the wet east to the drier west. Now that's changing in five states the meridian runs through.

Related Resources

South Dakota Standards

Decorative image of books with the words South Dakota Content Standards.

South Dakota academic content standards serve as expectations for what students should know and be able to do by the end of each grade. The review, revision, development, and feedback process involves stakeholders throughout the state of South Dakota and is an ongoing and critical component to ensure South Dakota students in every classroom receive current and relevant learning experiences. The goal is that all students will graduate college, career, and life ready.

Content standards are set by the South Dakota Board of Education Standards. They are reviewed every five to seven years. Content standards do not mandate a specific curriculum.


For more information about SDPB's educational resources 
and services contact Steven Rokusek at
EdServices@sdpb.org or at (605) 222-3422 (E&O Staff)