Using digital maps to identify patterns of earthquakes around the world
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can use a geographic information system (GIS) to see patterns in where earthquakes occur around the world and predict their likely impact.
Key learning points
- GIS can be used to identify the patterns of earthquakes around the world.
- Major earthquakes occur on or near plate boundaries.
- GIS can be used to predict the impact of earthquakes on humans.
- The impact of earthquakes is affected by the power of the earthquake and how many people live nearby.
Keywords
Geographic information system - a GIS contains digital maps that allow us to see and understand geographical patterns
Plate boundary - where two tectonic plates meet
Layer - geographical information that can be added to a digital map
Common misconception
Earthquakes always take place on plate boundaries.
Most earthquakes take place on or near plate boundaries, but some smaller earthquakes can happen away from plate boundaries.
Teacher tip
Teachers may wish pupils to complete the GIS tasks alongside the video modelling, by showing the video in short sections and then asking pupils to complete each part of the instructions.
Equipment
Computers, laptops or tablets with an internet connection.
Licence
Lesson video
Loading...
Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is a digital map?
Q2.What is an earthquake?
Q3.Magnitude is a measure of the size of an earthquake. Put these earthquakes in order of magnitude, from the smallest to the largest.
Q4.The Earth's crust is split into large ...
Q5.Why might GIS help us to study earthquakes?
Q6.Which of these can happen as a result of earthquakes?
Assessment exit quiz
5 Questions
Q1.What does a geographic information system do?
Q2.If each of these locations were impacted by an earthquake of the same size, which would be most likely to see the biggest impact on people?
Q3.Most earthquakes take place on or near plate , but some smaller earthquakes can happen away from plate boundaries.
Q4.Which of these factors affect the impact of an earthquake on people?
Q5.What tool on the Geography Visualiser helps us to find out how far away an earthquake is?
To help you plan your 6 geography lesson on: Using digital maps to identify patterns of earthquakes around the world, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 6 geography lesson on: Using digital maps to identify patterns of earthquakes around the world, 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.