Earthquakes: Causes & Effects

Overview

Duration: 50 minutes
Class Size: 5 students
Unit: Exploring Earth's Features (Lesson 29 of 30)
Age Group: Year 9 (13-14 years old)
Curriculum Link: National Curriculum for England – Geography – Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9)
Topic: Physical Processes – Tectonics and Natural Hazards

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Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will:

1. Describe the causes of earthquakes, including plate tectonics and fault lines ([NC Geography KS3, Geographical Processes: Physical processes 3.1a]).
2. Explain the immediate and long-term effects of earthquakes on the environment and human societies ([NC Geography KS3, Geographical Processes: Human and physical geography 3.1b]).
3. Analyse the relationship between earthquake magnitude, location, and severity of impact ([NC Geography KS3, Application of geographical skills 3.3a]).
4. Develop an awareness of earthquake risk management and mitigation strategies ([NC Geography KS3, Investigative and decision-making skills 3.5a]).

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National Curriculum References

• Geographical Processes: Physical processes that give rise to landscapes and environmental conditions (tectonic activity focus).
• Human and Physical Geography: Understanding the interaction of people with their environments in the context of natural disasters.
• Skills: Use of maps to locate earthquake zones, interpreting data on earthquake magnitude and depth, and decision-making in risk management.

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Resources

• Interactive whiteboard or projector
• World map showing tectonic plates and earthquake zones
• Seismograph simulation (or video if technology permits)
• Prepared case study sheets (e.g., 2011 Japan earthquake, 2010 Haiti earthquake)
• Worksheets for cause-effect analysis
• Small whiteboards and markers (for individual/group quick feedback)
• "Earthquake Effects" photo cards (damage, environmental, economic, social)

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Lesson Structure

1. Starter Activity (5 minutes)

• Begin with a quick quiz using mini whiteboards:
  • What causes earthquakes?
  • Name a famous earthquake.
  • What might happen after an earthquake?
• The quiz primes thinking and primes prior knowledge from previous lessons on tectonic plates.

2. Introduction & Concept Development (10 minutes)

• Teacher-led explanation:
  • Review tectonic plates and fault lines using an animated map showing plate boundaries.
  • Explain how movement causes earthquakes – focus on transform, convergent, and divergent boundaries.
  • Use the seismograph simulation/video to demonstrate how earthquakes are detected and measured (Richter scale).
• Emphasise key vocabulary: fault line, epicentre, focus, magnitude, aftershock.

3. Main Activity: Case Study Analysis (20 minutes)

• Distribute case study sheets with data and images from two contrasting earthquakes (e.g., Japan and Haiti).
• In pairs or individually, students analyse:
  • Causes of the earthquake (plate tectonics context).
  • Environmental effects (landslides, tsunamis, ground rupture).
  • Social/economic effects (loss of life, homelessness, rebuild costs).
• Students complete a structured worksheet that promotes critical thinking by comparing causes and effects and identifying patterns.
• Discuss earthquake magnitude vs. impact: why some earthquakes cause more damage than others.

4. Group Discussion and Risk Management (10 minutes)

• Facilitate a discussion on how people try to reduce the impact of earthquakes (earthquake-resistant buildings, early warning systems, education).
• Provide photo cards illustrating damage and mitigation strategies.
• Ask group to prioritise which mitigation strategies they would implement in a high-risk area and justify their choices.

5. Plenary and Assessment (5 minutes)

• Each student verbally states one new thing they have learned about earthquakes’ causes or effects.
• Quick formative assessment using a cause-effect chain on mini whiteboards:
  • Cause (e.g., tectonic movement) → Effect (e.g., ground shaking) → Secondary effect (e.g., buildings collapse).
• Teacher provides immediate feedback and corrects misconceptions.

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Differentiation

• Support: Sentence starters on worksheets; visuals to aid understanding of abstract concepts.
• Challenge: Extension question – "How might climate change influence the secondary effects of earthquakes?"
• Use peer support for analysis tasks.

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Cross-Curricular Links

• Science: Earth sciences – plate tectonics, seismic waves.
• Technology: Use of simulations and modern technology in monitoring earthquakes.
• English: Develops geographical literacy and structured explanation skills.

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Assessment Opportunities

• Formative assessment through quiz, worksheets, and cause-effect chains.
• Summative assessment information can be gathered from completed worksheets for evidence of understanding before the final unit review (Lesson 30).

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Notes for Teachers

• This lesson builds on prior work on plate tectonics and prepares students for the unit review in next lesson.
• Encourage curiosity by connecting to recent real-world earthquakes or students’ experiences.
• Leveraging technology (interactive maps, simulations) will increase engagement and deepen understanding.

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End of Lesson Plan