New
New
Year 6

Preparing and responding to earthquakes

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

New
New
Year 6

Preparing and responding to earthquakes

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

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Being prepared for an earthquake reduces its impact on people and the built environment.
  2. There are many different ways that governments can prepare, e.g. with earthquake-proof buildings and warning systems.
  3. Families and individuals can also be prepared by practising what to do in an earthquake and having emergency supplies.
  4. 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.

Practise earthquake drills in your classroom or make your own emergency supply kit.
Teacher tip

Content guidance

  • Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Supervision

Adult supervision required

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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6 Questions

Q1.
Which of these is not a natural disaster?
A volcanic eruption
An earthquake
A tsunami
Correct answer: War
Q2.
Earthquakes are caused by...
Random events
Humans
Correct answer: Tectonic plate movement in Earth's crust
Q3.
The epicentre of an earthquake is...
the point deep underground where an earthquake begins
the layer in the centre of the Earth
Correct answer: the point on Earth's surface where an earthquake is first felt by humans
Q4.
To have an impact is to have an __________ on someone or something.
event
Correct answer: effect
elect
Q5.
Huge waves of energy that are released from tectonic plates slipping are called...
forcefield waves
Correct answer: seismic waves
air waves
power waves
Q6.
The point deep underground where the tectonic plates first break or slip is called the...
Focal point
Correct answer: Focus point
Epicentre

6 Questions

Q1.
What system warns people of imminent earthquakes?
Correct Answer: Early warning system, Earthquake warning system
Q2.
Order these statements in chronological order
1 - Tectonic plates slip at the focus point causing an earthquake
2 - Seismic waves of energy travel through Earth's crust towards the epicentre
3 - Sensors detect an earthquake and alert the earthquake alert centre
Q3.
Earthquake proof buildings...
prevent earthquakes from happening
stop earthquakes from hitting buildings
are cheaply built so can be easily re-built
Correct answer: absorb the shock of an earthquake so it can remain upright
Q4.
What items are commonly found in care packages distributed to families and individuals after a major earthquake?
Correct answer: water
phone
Correct answer: blanket
Correct answer: tent
Q5.
What are individuals and families advised to do in the event of an earthquake?
Drop, Cover and Hide
Correct answer: Drop, Cover and Hold on
Drop, Run and Hide
Drop, Cover and Hope
Q6.
How can wealthier nations support poorer nations in the event of an earthquake?
Correct answer: by providing financial support
by staying away to avoid further damage
Correct answer: by helping to rebuild
Correct answer: by sending care packages