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Geography

Earthquake Safety Audit

Overview

Students audit their own classroom or school for earthquake risks.

Learning Objective
Students understand earthquake risks and how buildings and behaviour can reduce harm.

Resources needed

  • Classroom or school environment

Lesson stages

0 / 7 done
  1. 1 Explain what an earthquake is and where they occur.
  2. 2 Ask students to look around the room for potential hazards (heavy shelves, glass, doors).
  3. 3 List things that could fall or break.
  4. 4 Discuss what a safe response during an earthquake looks like.
  5. 5 Identify the safest places in the room.
  6. 6 Suggest two improvements to make the space safer.
  7. 7 Share recommendations.

Tap a step to mark it as done.

Variations

  • Compare a poorly built and well-built structure using blocks.
  • Design an earthquake-proof classroom layout.
More information

Teach earthquake, tremor, fault line, evacuation, structural.

Focus on the simple 'Drop, Cover, Hold' response.

Can students identify two hazards and explain how earthquake-resistant design reduces risk?

Uses only the existing room as the resource. No materials needed.

Students often think standing in a doorway is the safest place. Modern guidance is Drop, Cover, Hold under a sturdy table.

Connects to tectonic plates, hazards, and disaster preparedness.

Activity details
Secondary Medium 20 minutes no prep Pairs Indoor & Outdoor
Topics
Earthquakes Hazards