Why Earthquakes Happen
Understand that earthquakes happen when rocks underground suddenly move or break, releasing energy that shakes the ground
Share and support
Teaching Table
Set out your lesson
Distinguish underground earthquake cause from surface effects.
Can attend to a short explanation and respond orally, by pointing, drawing or writing; check relevant prerequisite understanding rather than assuming age proves readiness.
Check readiness rather than assuming age or source graph order establishes attainment.
Prepared passage, diagram materials are available in each step.
Open the teaching material first. Keep the adult key and check sheet separate until their named stage. No printing, purchase or external media is required for the supplied adapted text tasks.
Use paper only; no shaking heavy furniture or earthquake simulation around people.
Only record a real observation after the activity is actually carried out safely; otherwise mark not carried out.
Materials are ready in each step. Use them on screen or print just the current step. Put teaching examples aside before the learner tries.
What this lesson covers and its limits
These are bounded opportunities, not learner attainment. Partial and blocked source requirements remain so.
- partial: Understand that earthquakes happen when rocks underground suddenly move or break, releasing energy that shakes the ground
Bounded task opportunity only; this task samples the clause using supported sequence reading; repeated application evidence, not full coverage or learner attainment.
- partial: Explain that earthquakes are caused by rocks underground suddenly moving
Bounded task opportunity only; this task samples the clause using supported sequence reading; repeated application evidence, not full coverage or learner attainment.
- partial: Describe how this movement sends shaking through the surrounding ground
Bounded task opportunity only; this task samples the clause using supported sequence reading; repeated application evidence, not full coverage or learner attainment.
- partial: Distinguish between the underground cause and the surface effects of an earthquake
Bounded task opportunity only; this task samples the clause using supported sequence reading; repeated application evidence, not full coverage or learner attainment.
- partial: If {{name}} felt a small tremor or saw footage of an earthquake, could they explain that it happens because rocks deep underground suddenly shift or crack?
Bounded task opportunity only; this task samples the clause using supported sequence reading; repeated application evidence, not full coverage or learner attainment.
Family records and proof options
Keep a record of your learning
Save photos, notes, and attendance. Export a proof packet for compliance or portfolio reviews.
Learning resources
Reviewed external links that reinforce this concept. They do not replace Gakuva’s teaching approach.
No reviewed resources for this concept yet.
The teaching approach above still stands. Curated practice links will appear here as the shelf fills.
Check understanding
- Explain that earthquakes are caused by rocks underground suddenly moving
- Describe how this movement sends shaking through the surrounding ground
- Distinguish between the underground cause and the surface effects of an earthquake
“If your child felt a small tremor or saw footage of an earthquake, could they explain that it happens because rocks deep underground suddenly shift or crack?”
Curriculum record
- Type
- Conceptual
- Subject
- Science
- Domain
- Volcanoes & Earthquakes
- Age range
- Ages 7–9