3 - Understanding

Hazards

This unit investigates the natural hazards and specifically earthquakes and volcanoes.

The hazards are studied to build an understanding of their causes and to have knowledge of the locations where they pose risks.

Cartographic and data synthesis skills are developed as the unit progresses leading to a final inquiry bring all the layers of knowledge and understanding together. Contrasting case studies will be used to explore the risks posed by living near hazards.

Key Concept

Systems - Our planet aims to be in a state of equilibrium, what happens when something changes?

Related Concepts

Processes and Causality - How do hazards occur? What is the impact of those hazards?

Global Context

Scientific and Technological Innovation - How can we survive hazards? What innovations have been created to allow humans to live in 'danger' zones?

Statement of Inquiry

Hazards are a result of systems not being in balance. Scientific and technological innovations allow people to live in dangerous areas and survive the consequences of hazard events.

Inquiry Questions

Factual Questions: Remembering facts and topics


  • What is a natural disaster?

  • How do the key natural disasters of plate tectonics, flooding, drought and a tornado occur?

  • What problems do natural disasters bring to an area?

Conceptual Questions: Analysing big ideas


  • Why do people put themselves at risk and live in dangerous areas?

Debatable Questions: Evaluating perspectives and developing theories.

  • Where is the safest place to live in America?

Unit Outline and ATL Sheets

Updated - Blank Unit of Inquiry Grid
2022-2023 Individuals and Societies - Approaches to Learning Grid