Understanding Earthquakes

Lesson Overview

Subject: Geography
Year Group: Year 3
Lesson Duration: 75 minutes
Class Size: 7 pupils (including SEND and one partially sighted pupil)
Curriculum Area: National Curriculum for Geography – "Physical Geography: Natural Disasters"
Focus: Understanding what earthquakes are, how they occur, their link to tectonic plates, and how they are measured.

Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils will:

• Understand what an earthquake is and what causes it.
• Identify the relationship between earthquakes and tectonic plates.
• Recognise how earthquakes are measured using the Richter Scale and/or seismographs.

Key Vocabulary

• Earthquake
• Tectonic plates
• Fault lines
• Seismograph
• Richter Scale
• Epicentre
• Magnitude

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Lesson Structure

1. Starter Activity – Feel the Vibration! (15 minutes)

Purpose: Engage pupils in thinking about movement and vibrations.

• Begin by gathering pupils in a circle.
• Ask students to feel the floor as they drum their hands lightly on it. Then, ask them to drum harder.
• Introduce the idea of vibrations traveling through the ground – just like in an earthquake!
• Now place a tray of jelly on a table. Give pupils turns to gently shake the table and observe how the jelly wobbles – this represents the movement of the Earth's surface during an earthquake.
• Discuss: What do you notice? How does the movement affect nearby objects (e.g. if we place a small figure on the jelly)?

2. Explanation – What Causes Earthquakes? (20 minutes)

Purpose: Introduce tectonic plates and fault lines in an accessible way.

• Show pupils a large puzzle with seven main pieces (representing Earth’s tectonic plates).
• Explain that the Earth's surface is made of giant pieces called tectonic plates that fit together like a puzzle. These plates are always moving – usually very slowly.
• Sometimes, plates rub against each other or push together, causing a sudden jerk or shift – this is an earthquake!
• For partially sighted pupil: Allow them to feel the edges of the puzzle pieces to understand how they fit and move.

Activity (Group Participation):

• Pupils take turns gently pushing (or slightly shaking) the puzzle pieces to demonstrate how plates might move.
• Explain fault lines as cracks in the Earth's surface where most earthquakes happen.

3. How Do We Measure Earthquakes? (15 minutes)

Purpose: Introduce pupils to the Richter Scale and seismographs.

• Introduce the Richter Scale. Explain that earthquakes are measured based on strength (or magnitude).

• Use a simple 1–10 scale:

  • 1–3: So small we don’t feel it.
  • 4–6: Strong enough to shake buildings.
  • 7–10: Strong enough to cause major damage.

• Introduce seismographs – special machines that detect ground movements.

Interactive Activity – "Earthquake Recorder":

• Pupils work in pairs; one shakes a table while the other tries to draw a wavy line on paper attached to the surface—just like a seismograph recording earthquake tremors!
• For the partially sighted pupil, offer raised line paper (textured paper) to help them feel the marks left behind.

4. Where Do Earthquakes Happen? (10 minutes)

• Show a large interactive map with key earthquake zones (such as the "Ring of Fire").
• Ask: Do we have many earthquakes in the UK? (Answer: No, but small ones do happen!)
• Discuss a real-life example: A small earthquake in the UK they may have heard about.

5. Plenary – Quick Quiz & Safety Discussion (15 minutes)

Activity – "Earthquake Expert!"

• Split pupils into pairs for a mini-quiz (use flashcards with key terms).
• Discuss earthquake safety: If we were in an earthquake, what should we do? (Drop, Cover, Hold!)

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Adaptations for SEND and Partially Sighted Pupil

• Use tactile resources – allow pupils to touch and move objects (puzzle pieces, raised-line maps, jelly demonstration).
• Provide verbal descriptions of visuals for the partially sighted pupil.
• Use colour-coded flashcards and large print handouts for key terms.
• Encourage group discussions to ensure verbal participation.

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Assessment Opportunities

• Observations – Are pupils engaged in activities? Can they explain cause and effect?
• Questioning – Can pupils correctly answer quiz questions about earthquakes?
• Activity Engagement – Did students apply learning in their hands-on tasks?

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Resources

• Large puzzle pieces (representing tectonic plates)
• Tray of jelly (to demonstrate movement)
• Interactive map with raised features
• Simple seismograph activity (paper-on-table drawing)
• Large-print and Braille resources (for the partially sighted pupil)

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Teacher Reflection

• Did the hands-on approach engage ALL learners?
• How well did the partially sighted pupil interact with tactile objects?
• Did pupils retain knowledge during the plenary quiz?

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This interactive, sensory-based approach ensures that all Year 3 pupils, regardless of learning needs, can access and understand the fascinating science behind earthquakes while meeting UK National Curriculum objectives. 🌍🌋