Lesson Planning
Upper Key Stage 2 Earth Matters - NEW LOOK
Earthquakes - NEW LOOK
Learn about the features and key aspects of earthquakes. Find out about the movement of tectonic plates and about seismic waves. Learn about life in an earthquake zone. Compile and practise a class earthquake drill. Find out how buildings are built to withstand earthquakes and then design your own earthquake-proof structure.
Session 1 Earthquakes and plate tectonics
Objectives
Geography
- Describe and understand key aspects of earthquakes.
- Understand some of the effects of plate tectonics.
Enquiry question
- Select from and use a wider range of tools and equipment to perform practical tasks accurately.
Outcomes
Children will:
- Understand how tectonic plates move.
- Identify the layers of the earth and how earthquakes occur.
- Consider the effects felt at the surface of the Earth when tectonic plates move.
Provided Resources
No resources are required for this session.
You Will Also Need
Polystyrene cups
Foil pie dish
Tin
Water with red food colouring (check for any allergy issues)
Weblinks
National Geographic explains how and why earthquakes occur from www.youtube.com
Session 2 Seismic waves
Objectives
Geography
- Describe and understand key aspects of earthquakes.
- Understand effects of seismic waves.
Enquiry question
What happens when an earthquake strikes?
Outcomes
Children will:
- Understand what happens when tectonic plates move.
- Understand what seismic waves are and what effect they have during an earthquake.
- Understand how seismic waves are recorded and measured through the making of their own seismograph.
Lesson Planning
Provided Resources
You Will Also Need
For tin can seismograph: large tin can per group of 3, string, tape, pencil, white paper
Weblinks
The different types of seismic waves from www.youtube.com
Session 3 Living in an earthquake zone
Objectives
Geography
- Describe and understand key aspects of earthquakes.
- Use maps, atlases, and globes to locate countries.
- Gain an understanding of life in an earthquake zone.
Enquiry question
What is life like for those who live in earthquake zones?
Outcomes
Children will:
- Become familiar with the precautions/ preparations required when living in an earthquake zone.
- Understand how our surroundings might behave in an earthquake.
- Take part in an earthquake drill.
Lesson Planning
Provided Resources
You Will Also Need
Globes or atlases
Weblinks
‘Shakeout’ site promoting earthquake drills from www.shakeout.org
The drill: Drop, Cover, Hold On from www.youtube.com
Session 4 Earthquake resistant buildings
Objectives
Geography
- Describe and understand key aspects of earthquakes.
- Understand why and how engineers construct earthquake resistant buildings.
- Experiment making an earthquake proof structure using simple materials.
Enquiry question
How can buildings be more resistant to earthquakes?
Outcomes
Children will:
- Explore how buildings are constructed to withstand damage from earthquakes.
- Identify some of the factors that make buildings earthquake-proof, including cross bracing, large ‘footprints’ and tapered geometry.
- Make an earthquake-proof structure using marshmallows and straws on a ‘ground’ of jelly.
Lesson Planning
Provided Resources
You Will Also Need
Jelly (made from one pack per group in a flat rectangular dish)
Straws
Marshmallows
Video camera/ mobile phone
Weblinks
Earthquake testing playlist from www.youtube.com
Los Angeles’ most earthquake resistant building from www.youtube.com