Living in a tectonic hazard zone

This lesson explores the range of reasons why millions of people around the world choose to live in tectonic hazard zones.

The lesson starts with a collection of ideas before pupils have the chance to categorise hazards and benefits on the activity sheet included with the lesson.

There is a focus upon volcanoes in this lesson and once a definition of a volcano is agreed, the teacher uses the accompanying powerpoint to outline the differences between shield and composite cone volcanoes.

People have different attitudes to the tectonic threat and there are many reasons why they choose to live and work in the face of danger. Pupils are given one of three attitudes and an individual background card which will provide a starting point for writing their own account. Guidance is provided in the powerpoint and pupils love this activity.

Once they have written their own account, there is an opportunity to share them with the class. By the end of the lesson they will understand some of the many reasons why 600 million people will be living in a tectonic danger zone by 2025.