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Year 6 - Geography

Preparing and responding to earthquakes

Earthquakes: how do they change the world?

Unit Summary

This unit explores the causes and effects of earthquakes. Pupils learn where and why they occur, how they are measured, and what can be done to prepare for and respond to them. Case studies include Japan (2011) and Turkey (2023).

Lesson Summary

You will learn to describe and explain how the impact of an earthquake can be lessened by being prepared and that different parts of the world have different capacities to respond.

Key Notes

  • Being prepared for an earthquake reduces its impact on people and the built environment.
  • There are many different ways that governments can prepare, e.g. with earthquake-proof buildings and warning systems.
  • Families and individuals can also be prepared by practising what to do in an earthquake and having emergency supplies.
  • Wealthier nations are more able than poorer nations to respond to the challenge of a major earthquake.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • impact: To have an impact is to have an effect on someone or something.
  • early warning system: An early warning system detects earthquakes so that people an be prepared.
  • earthquake-proof: Something that is earthquake-proof can withstand the impact of earthquakes.
  • emergency supplies: Emergency supplies are the items that are essential in an emergency.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Early warning systems can predict when an earthquake will happen.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain this geography topic using two clear key points.

Being prepared for an earthquake reduces its impact on people and the built environment. There are many different ways that governments can prepare, e.g. with earthquake-proof buildings and warning systems.

2. Define this geography term and use it in an example. 'impact'

To have an impact is to have an effect on someone or something.

3. Correct this common geography misunderstanding.

Mistake: Early warning systems can predict when an earthquake will happen. Correction: Early warning systems cannot predict when an earthquake will happen, but can notify scientists of an imminent earthquake. This then gives families and individuals valuable seconds to prepare.

More Lessons In This Unit

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