Earthquakes Year 6

Introduction

The surface of the Earth is constantly changing. Earthquakes are sudden events, infamous for their ability to devastate cities in minutes. The Earth's crust is divided into tectonic plates. These tectonic plates move very slowly all the time. The plates are of different thickness, and the thick part of the plates make up the continents, and the thin parts form the oceanic crust. Tectonic plates move in different directions, and they can move away from each other, can collide - with one tectonic plate sliding over the top of the other tectonic plate - or can move past each other.  An earthquake happens when the pressure builds up in the Earth, and the tectonic plates give way and move, releasing the built-up energy. On the Earth's surface, we can feel the shaking or displacement of the ground.

Task

You are required to create an infographic to demonstrate your scientific understanding. You need to explain how earthquakes are caused, how they produce change to the Earth surface and how this may affect living things. You must also include information you have researched about how scientists assist in solving problems related to earthquakes and how their knowledge informs decisions. 

The infographic must have:

  • a title
  • sub-headings
  • text with factual information
  • labelled diagrams
  • pictures and graphics 

You may also like to add:

  • a footer
  • graphs
  • other relevant information

The information must be organised into detailed sections, all graphics and pictures must be relevant to the topic and you must check your work for spelling and grammar.

Process

You have been allocated 25 minutes to gather research using an iPad and 25 minutes using books and information provided by your teacher. Below are 6 suggested websites for you to view and record information on to your graphic organiser. 

 

Kidcyber - earthquakes and tsunamis 

https://www.kidcyber.com.au/earthquakes

National Geographic

https://www.australiangeographic.com.au/topics/science-environment/2015/05/earthquake-facts/

Ducksters - Science for kids - earthquakes

https://www.ducksters.com/science/earthquakes.php

SES - earthquake facts

https://www.ses.vic.gov.au/documents/112015/135368/Earthquake+Facts/166853a6-ff27-489b-bef2-f6f4fa3fd943

Geoscience Australia

https://www.ga.gov.au/scientific-topics/community-safety/earthquake

Yonature - positive effects of earthquakes

https://www.yonature.com/effects-earthquakes-positive-negative-impacts-with-examples/

 

Evaluation

 

Learning Area

A Grade    - 4 Marks

B Grade -    3 Marks

C Grade - 2 Marks

D Grade   1 Marks

Science Understanding

 

I have explained how earthquakes are caused, how they produce change to the surface of the Earth, how this affects living things and what can be done about it.

I have explained how earthquakes are caused, how they produce change to the surface of the Earth, how this affects living things

I have explained how earthquakes can change the surface of the Earth and how they affect living things.

I have identified how earthquakes can change the surface of the Earth.

Science as a Human Endeavour

 

 

 

 

I can explain, using examples, how science assists in solving problems and informs decisions about earthquakes.

I can identify significant historical contributions and related them to the impact it has on my life.

I can explain, using examples, how science assists in solving problems and informs decisions about earthquakes.

I can identify significant historical contributions.

I can explain how science assists in solving problems and informs decisions about earthquakes.

I can identify significant historical contributions.

I require guidance to identify how science assists in solving problems about earthquakes.

Written Structure

 

I have demonstrated my ability to organise my researched information in paragraphs/section that consider topic sentences, explanations, evidence, and links to the next paragraph/section.

I have demonstrates my ability to organise researched information into detailed paragraphs/sections that line and flow base on the content.

I have demonstrated my ability to organise researched information into detailed paragraphs/sections.

I required guidance to organise researched information into paragraphs/sections.

Graphics (illustrations)

Aesthetics

All graphics are related to the topic and make it easier to understand.

I have made excellent choices of colour, effects, fonts to enhance my presentation.

All graphics are related to the topic and most make it easier to understand.

I have made good choices of colour, effects, fonts to enhance my presentation.

All graphics relate to the topic.

I have made satisfactory choices of colour, effects, fonts to enhance my presentation.

Graphics do not relate to the topic.

I have made basic choices of colour, effects, fonts to enhance my presentation.

Grammar & spelling

 

 

I have made no spelling mistakes or grammatical errors.

I have made two or fewer spelling mistakes and/or grammatical errors.

I have made three spelling mistakes and/or grammatical errors.

Have made four or more spelling or grammatical errors.