Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 25/02/2026
Subject: Geography
Lesson Topic: Global distribution of earthquakes and volcanoes and related tectonic processes and plate boundaries
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe global patterns of earthquake and volcano occurrence and their relation to plate boundaries.
  • Explain tectonic processes that generate seismic and volcanic hazards at different boundary types.
  • Analyze impacts of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions on societies and environments.
  • Evaluate mitigation and risk‑management strategies for seismic and volcanic hazards.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector and screen for maps/diagrams
  • World tectonic plates map (digital or printed)
  • Worksheet with tables of regions and hazard examples
  • Interactive online GIS or Google Earth tool
  • Whiteboard and markers
  • Exit‑ticket cards
 Introduction:
Begin with a striking image of the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami to capture interest. Ask students what they know about why earthquakes and volcanoes tend to cluster in certain parts of the world. Outline that by the end of the lesson they will be able to map these hazards and explain the underlying plate‑boundary processes. Success will be measured through a quick map‑label activity and an exit ticket.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5') – Students label a blank world map with major plate boundaries.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10') – Present global distribution of earthquakes using the Ring of Fire map; discuss depth and boundary type.
  3. Guided analysis (12') – In pairs, examine the provided tables and identify patterns between boundary type and hazard type; fill worksheet.
  4. Interactive demo (8') – Use an online GIS to plot recent earthquake epicentres and volcanic arcs; discuss anomalies.
  5. Case‑study discussion (10') – Small groups evaluate impacts of a selected event (e.g., 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami or 2010 Eyjafjallajökull eruption) and propose mitigation measures.
  6. Check for understanding (5') – Whole‑class quiz via Kahoot or exit ticket summarising key concepts.
Conclusion:
Summarise how plate‑boundary dynamics control where earthquakes and volcanoes occur and the types of hazards they produce. Have students complete an exit‑ticket that asks them to match a hazard with its typical plate setting. Assign a short homework: create a one‑page poster showing a chosen region’s seismic and volcanic risk and suggested mitigation strategies.