Preparing and responding to earthquakes
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can describe and explain how the impact of an earthquake can be lessened by being prepared and that different parts of the world have different capacities to respond
Key learning points
- Being prepared for an earthquake reduces its impact on people and the built environment.
- There are many different ways that governments can prepare, e.g. with earthquake-proof buildings and warning systems.
- Families and individuals can also be prepared by practising what to do in an earthquake and having emergency supplies.
- Wealthier nations are more able than poorer nations to respond to the challenge of a major earthquake.
Keywords
Impact - To have an impact is to have an effect on someone or something.
Early warning system - An early warning system detects earthquakes so that people an be prepared.
Earthquake-proof - Something that is earthquake-proof can withstand the impact of earthquakes.
Emergency supplies - Emergency supplies are the items that are essential in an emergency.
Common misconception
Early warning systems can predict when an earthquake will happen.
Early warning systems cannot predict when an earthquake will happen, but can notify scientists of an imminent earthquake. This then gives families and individuals valuable seconds to prepare.
Teacher tip
Practise earthquake drills in your classroom or make your own emergency supply kit.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of these is not a natural disaster?
Q2.Earthquakes are caused by...
Q3.The epicentre of an earthquake is...
Q4.To have an impact is to have an __________ on someone or something.
Q5.Huge waves of energy that are released from tectonic plates slipping are called...
Q6.The point deep underground where the tectonic plates first break or slip is called the...
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What system warns people of imminent earthquakes?
Q2.Order these statements in chronological order
Q3.Earthquake proof buildings...
Q4.What items are commonly found in care packages distributed to families and individuals after a major earthquake?
Q5.What are individuals and families advised to do in the event of an earthquake?
Q6.How can wealthier nations support poorer nations in the event of an earthquake?
To help you plan your 6 geography lesson on: Preparing and responding to earthquakes, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 6 geography lesson on: Preparing and responding to earthquakes, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 geography lessons from the Earthquakes: how do they change the world? unit, dive into the full primary geography curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.