Earthquakes: how do they change the world?
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Threads
Why this why now
This unit develops pupils’ understanding of Earth’s structure and tectonic activity by focusing on earthquakes and their impacts. Its placement builds on earlier physical geography units such as rivers, mountains and coasts, and prepares pupils to engage with risk and resilience. Pupils explore where earthquakes happen and why, how people respond, and what shapes the severity of impacts. By connecting physical processes to real-life events, the unit encourages critical thinking, empathy and an understanding of how geography affects lives around the world.
Prior knowledge requirements
- Knowledge of the structure of Earth.
- Experience using a range of resources to investigate physical geography processes and their impact on people and environments.
Threads
Why this why now
This unit develops pupils’ understanding of Earth’s structure and tectonic activity by focusing on earthquakes and their impacts. Its placement builds on earlier physical geography units such as rivers, mountains and coasts, and prepares pupils to engage with risk and resilience. Pupils explore where earthquakes happen and why, how people respond, and what shapes the severity of impacts. By connecting physical processes to real-life events, the unit encourages critical thinking, empathy and an understanding of how geography affects lives around the world.
Prior knowledge requirements
- Knowledge of the structure of Earth.
- Experience using a range of resources to investigate physical geography processes and their impact on people and environments.
Earthquakes: how do they change the world?
This unit explores the causes and effects of earthquakes. Pupils learn where and why they occur, how they are measured, and what can be done to prepare for and respond to them. Case studies include Japan (2011) and Turkey (2023).
7 lessons in unit
slide decks, worksheet PDFs, quizzes and lesson overviews. You can select individual lessons from the Earthquakes: how do they change the world? unit and download the resources you need, or download the entire unit now. See every unit listed in our primary geography curriculum and discover more of our teaching resources for primary geography programmes.