Begin with a captivating story about a recent earthquake event to engage students' interest and curiosity about the topic.
Go to the LessonLesson Plans
Earthquakes
Learning Objectives
- Understand the concept of tectonic plates and how their movement causes earthquakes.
- Identify the epicenter of an earthquake and explain its significance in terms of intensity.
- Describe the role of faults in the occurrence of earthquakes.
- Recognize the use of seismographs by seismologists to detect and measure earthquakes.
- Explain how the Richter scale is used to rate the power of earthquakes.
Introduction and Hook
Show a world map highlighting tectonic plates to visually introduce the concept of tectonic movements.
Direct Instruction
Explain the concept of tectonic plates and their movements using diagrams and illustrations.
Discuss the role of faults and the significance of the epicenter in an earthquake.
Guided Exploration
Watch the video 'Severe Weather' to understand the impact of natural disasters, including earthquakes.
Engage students in a discussion about the tools seismologists use, such as seismographs, to detect earthquakes.
Hands-On Activity
Conduct a simple experiment to demonstrate how tectonic plates move using clay and a flat surface.
Use the 'Withstanding an Earthquake!' worksheet to design and test earthquake-resistant structures.
Independent Practice
Assign students to research a famous earthquake and present their findings on its causes and impacts.
Check for Understanding
Use a quick quiz to assess students' understanding of tectonic plates, faults, and the Richter scale.
Try the QuizReview and Reflection
Encourage students to reflect on what they learned about earthquakes and how it affects their understanding of Earth's processes.
Assessment and Extension
Use the 'Review – Processes That Shape the Earth' worksheet to assess comprehensive understanding.
Extend learning by exploring the impacts of tsunamis through the 'How Tsunamis Can Change the Coastline' worksheet.
