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Geography
Year 6

Earthquakes: how do they change the world?

7 lessons

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  • Mountains, volcanoes and earthquakes
  • Physical processes

Description

This unit explores the causes and effects of earthquakes. Pupils learn where and why they occur, how they are measured, and what can be done to prepare for and respond to them. Case studies include Japan (2011) and Turkey (2023).

This unit develops pupils’ understanding of Earth’s structure and tectonic activity by focusing on earthquakes and their impacts. Its placement builds on earlier physical geography units such as rivers, mountains and coasts, and prepares pupils to engage with risk and resilience. Pupils explore where earthquakes happen and why, how people respond, and what shapes the severity of impacts. By connecting physical processes to real-life events, the unit encourages critical thinking, empathy and an understanding of how geography affects lives around the world.

  1. The causes of earthquakes
  2. Measuring earthquakes
  3. The location of major earthquake zones
  4. Earthquakes and tsunamis: Honshu, Japan, 2011
  5. Preparing and responding to earthquakes
  6. People and earthquakes: Turkey, 2023
  7. Using digital maps to identify patterns of earthquakes around the world

  • Knowledge of the structure of Earth.
  • Experience using a range of resources to investigate physical geography processes and their impact on people and environments.
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