A short animation exploring the movement of tectonic plates, the cause of earthquakes and volcanoes.
Every thirty seconds, there's an earthquake somewhere in the world. Although, don't worry. Most are minor.
The Earth's surface is made up of a number of plates that are almost always moving.
Most earthquakes happen where these plates meet.
Some of these plates slide past each other, causing friction to build up.
While some move towards each other, causing a build up of pressure.
When these forces - friction or pressure - are released, they produce a violent jolt that shakes the land: an earthquake.
Although most are minor, a major earthquake can cause a lot of destruction.
So in parts of the world where earthquakes are common, people take precautions.
For example, they don't make buildings very tall, so they won't fall down easily.
Sometimes, they use rubber foundations to absorb some of the force coming from the earthquake's tremors.
Plastic is used in windows, rather than glass.
Schools in these countries practise what to do if an earthquake happens, like sheltering under a desk to protect yourself from falling objects.
The Earth's plates will keep moving and earthquakes will continue to occur.
All people living in countries affected by earthquakes can do, is be prepared to manage their destructive power.
Video summary
A short animation for KS2 pupils on the movement of Earth's tectonic plates - the cause of earthquakes and volcanoes - and what can be done to lessen their impact.
It explores the causes of earthquakes and illustrates the plate boundaries of the Earth, how these are constantly moving, and how earthquakes occur when these boundaries more past, into or away from each other.
It also explores possible precautions to minimise the damage caused by earthquakes and, in this way, illustrates to pupils the link between physical and human geography.
Teacher Notes
Download/print the Teacher Notes for this episode (pdf).
Teacher Notes prepared in partnership with the Geographical Association.
Central or big idea
- The movement of tectonic plates causes earthquakes which impact human activity.
Think, work and apply like a geographer
- Cause and effect
- Problem solve & future thinking
- Change
Questions to explore
- What are the causes of earthquakes?
- How might the plates move at each type of plate boundary?
- How might people living in earthquake-prone regions respond to the threat of earthquakes?
- What precautions can be taken to lessen the impact of earthquakes?
Key learning outcomes
- Know that earthquakes are caused by the movement of tectonic plates.
- Know that earthquakes impact settlements and human activity.
- Know how the impacts of earthquakes can be lessened.
Suitable for teaching geography at KS1 and KS2 in England and Wales, Early and 1st and 2nd level in Scotland and Foundation and KS1 in Northern Ireland.
Key geographical vocabulary and definitions
- Earthquake
- Tectonic plates
- Friction
Suggested learning opportunities
- Pupils summarise what causes earthquakes in less than 40 words.
- Create a five-point plan to advise property developers in an earthquake zone.
- Design and label an earthquake-proof building.
Ideas for going further and links
- The video can be used to introduce earthquakes and pupils could investigate which plates are moving fastest and which parts of the world are the most earthquake-prone. The video can be used to introduce a unit of study on plate tectonics, the links between volcanoes and earthquakes, and the hazards of living in regions where they occur.
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