Earthquakes

This collection supports the House of Science Earthquakes resource kit. (houseofscience.nz)

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Learning about earthquakes is part of the science strand Planet Earth and Beyond and can include the Physical World, Material World and Nature of Science Strands.

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Examples include:

Earth systems:

• Explore and describe natural features and resources. (Levels 1-2)
• Appreciate and develop an understanding that water, air, rocks and soil, and life forms make up our planet and recognise that these are also Earth's resources. (Levels 3-4)

Interacting systems

• Describe how natural features are changed and resources affected by natural events and human actions. (Levels 1-2)

RŪAUMOKO: LEVEL 1–2

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This TKI resource utilizes the haka taparahi, Rūaumoko, as a focus for learning, and exploring aspects of the text. It links to the Reo Māori, Tikanga ā-Iwi, Hangarau and Ngā Toi learning areas, supporting teaching and learning at levels 1– 2 of Te Marautanga o Aotearoa.

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The activities have been designed to create oral language opportunities – both formal and informal.

The following resources will help with planning a more comprehensive unit.

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First up are some planning resources and resources that explain the big science ideas that underpin why the Earth sometimes shakes, rattles and rolls.

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Following on are learning objectives from the House of Science Earthquakes resource kit and Hub resources, which support them.

1. What's on the inside?

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Learning Objective (level1-4)

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Students are introduced to the internal structures (layers) of the Earth.

2. Puzzle Pieces

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Learning Objective (levels 1-4)

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Students understand that:

• the Earth’s crust is not solid rock
• tectonic plates are huge slabs of rock that fit together like puzzle pieces to form the surface of the Earth.

3. Action at the Edges

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Learning Objective (levels 2-4)

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Students understand:

• tectonic plates are constantly moving
• how tectonic plates interact when they push together and pull apart.
• mountains, volcanoes, tsunamis, and earthquakes form because of plate movements

4. Seismic Slinkys

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Learning Objective

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Students understand that:

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• seismic waves are waves of energy caused by earthquakes
• there are several different types of seismic waves
• seismic waves travel in many different directions.

5. Shake, Rattle and Roll

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Part A: Capturing the motion of an earthquake

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Learning Objective

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Students understand what a seismometer is and how it detects ground motion.

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Part B: Survive the quake

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Learning Objective

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Students understand that buildings can be constructed to withstand the motion of an earthquake.