The Earthquake Through My Eyes
Objective: To try to use our imaginations to write about and draw the damage that an earthquake could cause.
Credit: Tony Cassidy. Task 1 - How would you feel? - Study the presentation below carefully and then watch the video below. Complete the first adjectives activity on a digital copy of worksheet 1. Task 2 - Completing the drawing task using a paper copy of worksheet 2 below. Task 3 - Complete your written task for a local newspaper. Go back to worksheet 1 and use the space provided to complete the activity. |
In grammar, an adjective is a 'describing' word |
Where Do Earthquakes Happen?
Task 1 - Using the map and video above, describe the pattern of earthquake activity around the world.
Task 2 - How does this link in to the location of major plate boundaries? (remember tectonics & volcanoes?).
How Do Earthquakes Happen?
Task 1 - What is the difference between the focus and the epicentre of an earthquake?
Task 2 - Using the worksheet below, explain with the aid of a diagram how earthquakes happen.
You should aim to use the following words in your description.
conservative plates, friction, stress, slip, focus, epicentre, seismic waves
Task 2 - Using the worksheet below, explain with the aid of a diagram how earthquakes happen.
You should aim to use the following words in your description.
conservative plates, friction, stress, slip, focus, epicentre, seismic waves
How are Earthquakes Measured?
Task 1 - Use the first worksheet above to complete the activities set out based on the magnitude of each level of the Richter Scale.
Task 2 - Use the second worksheet above to design a cartoon strip to show the nine (and as yet 'not experienced 10) different levels of the Richter Scale.
You can use the information from the Task 1 worksheet to help you as well as a Google search.
The Richter Scale is used to measure the power of earthquakes and is based on what you would see around you.
Added Extra - So, what is it like to experience a magnitude 7.5 earthquake? In California, they have a mobile earthquake simulator to teach people about the likely effects of 'The Big One'. Check out the video below and pay attention to the ways that people in California can make the inside of their home more earthquake resistant.
How Do People Respond To Earthquakes?

Objective: To complete a 'living graphs' exercise and to find out about the different ways in which people can respond to the threat of a big quake.
Starter: What happens during an earthquake?
In pairs, complete this living graph exercise. You might want to check out the YouTube video below first to show you how a seismograph works.
Extra - As you are completing these tasks, your teacher might say a certain word or show this presentation*. Get to a safe place as soon as possible. Where could that safe place be?
Starter: What happens during an earthquake?
In pairs, complete this living graph exercise. You might want to check out the YouTube video below first to show you how a seismograph works.
Extra - As you are completing these tasks, your teacher might say a certain word or show this presentation*. Get to a safe place as soon as possible. Where could that safe place be?
How Do You Keep Safe During An Earthquake?
Scheme 1 - Earthquake Survival Kit.
Click on the picture to the right to enlarge it. Identify five things that you recognise and write down why they would be useful to help you to survive after a quake. Click here to be taken to the task sheet. |
You live in Japan. Following on from the last major earthquake in 2011, the plate boundary on which Japan lies has been showing signs of activity. The Japanese Prime Minister has told all local people to put together an earthquake emergency kit that would be useful in the event of another earthquake.
Extension Task - You have been commissioned to create an educational poster for a primary school in Kobe, Japan. The government want you to produce a poster that will be put up in every classroom in every school in the city.
The poster should show students and teachers what they need to do at the first sign of an earthquake.
Remember, many of the students are very young and can't read, so you will have to use plenty of visuals to help their understanding.
Scheme 2 - Designing An Earthquake Resistant Building.
Study this PowerPoint carefully reading the text and studying the pictures and diagrams carefully. Credit: V Kent.
Task Sheet & Grades - Click here. Credit: Caroline Room
PowerPoint Presentation - Click here Credit: Profmaker
PDF Planning Sheet - Click here
Study this PowerPoint carefully reading the text and studying the pictures and diagrams carefully. Credit: V Kent.
Task Sheet & Grades - Click here. Credit: Caroline Room
PowerPoint Presentation - Click here Credit: Profmaker
PDF Planning Sheet - Click here
Background Research Videos
1. Base Isolation
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2. Braces & Water Tank
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3. Escape!
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So, you think you know about disasters?
Go to the Stop Disasters game site. Choose the language that you feel most comfortable with. Navigate through the first two pages until you come to the list of games. Choose 'Earthquake Hazard' and then choose the level of difficulty (start of with the easy level until you get used to it). At some point, the disaster will start and depending on your level of planning and preparation, many or few will die! It's up to you....... don't let them down!