How does the Earth shake, rattle and roll?

National curriculum content

To extend their knowledge and understanding beyond the local area to include the location and characteristics of a range of the world’s most significant human and physical features. To develop their use of geographical knowledge, understanding and skills to enhance their locational and place knowledge. 

Lesson objectives

1. To have an understanding of the causes, outcomes and location of earthquakes.

2. To understand and describe what volcanoes are.

3. To understand hazards of earthquakes and volcanoes, and to know where the world’s most active earthquake and volcanic zone is today.

4. To understand the benefits, dangers and hazards of living near a volcano and earthquake zone.

5. To investigate recent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, and the associated issues.

What we want children to know

• Describe and understand the key aspects of volcanoes and earthquakes
• What causes an earthquake
• What causes a volcano
• Understand that the distribution of earthquakes and volcanoes follows a pattern
• Learn about the Pacific Ring of Fire

 What skills we want children to develop

• The ability to use and compare maps, atlases and globes
• To use Google Earth to locate areas of the globe
• The ability to compare reasons for and against living near a hazardous zone
• To be able to read texts (paper based and online) to research and investigate

Vocabulary

Active volcano, Crater, Dormant Volcano, Earthquake, Eruption, Lava