An introduction to natural hazards
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can describe different types of natural hazards and explain their impacts on people and property.
Key learning points
- A natural hazard is a natural event that has the potential to cause damage, loss of life or economic disruption.
- There are several types of natural hazard, including landslides, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
- Natural hazards pose major risks to people and property.
Keywords
Natural hazard - a natural event that has the potential to cause damage, loss of life or economic disruption
Natural disaster - when a natural hazard actually causes significant damage, harm or loss of life
Hazard risk - the likelihood that people or property will be harmed by a natural hazard
Common misconception
A natural hazard is the same thing as a natural disaster.
A natural hazard is a potentially harmful event, a natural disaster is when a natural hazard event significantly affects humans.
Teacher tip
Using interactive maps, GIS data and animations (e.g. how tectonic plates move or how tropical storms develop) can help students get a clearer understanding of the processes involved.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
Loading...
Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of the following are examples of a natural hazard?
Q2.Match the key words with the definition.
Q3.What is the term used for a sudden and violent shaking of the ground, often caused by tectonic plate movements?
Q4.Match the categories of natural hazard with their definitions.
Q5.What are some of the risks facing countries that are vulnerable to natural hazards?
Q6.A powerful earthquake that takes place in a densely-populated city is likely to cause a natural .
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Which of the following factors can increase the risk of a natural hazard becoming a natural disaster?
Q2.What is a natural hazard?
Q3.What does the term 'hazard risk' refer to?
Q4.A hurricane hitting a densely populated coastal city is an example of a natural hazard with a high hazard .
To help you plan your 10 geography lesson on: An introduction to natural hazards, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 geography lesson on: An introduction to natural hazards, 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 4 geography lessons from the Natural and tectonic hazards unit, dive into the full secondary geography curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.