STOP THE TRAIN - THE RAILWAY BRIDGE HAS BEEN WASHED AWAY

Over night the flash flooding of the creek swept away the railway line and the bridge over the Hookina Creek. This caused an emergency because the train to Leigh Creek was due and the driver needed to be alerted. This was before the advent of mobile phones and improved communications. Read the story to find out what happened. This unit was originally designed for the Australian Curriculum (Junior levels Years 7 and 10) and to support Unit 1 Senior Geography - ACHGE 16-17, 19 and 21) but it has wider appeal for those interested in arid land environment studies. This stand alone unit is based on a true series of events which illustrate the hazards of flood waters rising quickly through normally dry creek beds. The final page encourages students to provide sketch maps and diagrams. There is also scope for students to design bridges that would safeguard them from the flood hazard. This unit provides scope for the use and development of student ideas. Those with artistic and graphic skills will respond to the challenges set.