Lesson Note for BST – Basic Science, Third (3rd) Term (Week 4) | NUE, NAPPS Scheme (Scientific Method/Approach of Lesson Delivery)
Earthquake Alerts
LESSON NOTE
Subject: Basic Science and Technology (BST)
Class: Grade 5
Week: 4
Topic: Earthquake Alerts
Duration: 60 minutes
Driving Question:
How can we detect and stay safe during earthquakes using early warning signs and scientific methods?
Pupils Should Be Able To:
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
- Define what an earthquake is.
- Explain what an earthquake alert or warning is.
- Describe how scientists predict or detect earthquakes.
- Use the scientific method to understand earthquake alerts.
- Suggest ways people can stay safe during an earthquake.
Hypothesis:
If scientists use special tools to study movements in the ground, then they can give alerts before an earthquake happens.
Investigation:
- Watch a short video or see pictures showing earthquake warning systems and how they work (e.g., seismographs, ground sensors).
- Discuss what happens before, during, and after an earthquake.
- Demonstrate with a simple activity: shake a table with blocks to mimic an earthquake, and show how an alarm (like a bell) can warn people when shaking starts.
- Ask pupils: What signs might show that an earthquake is coming? How would you prepare?
Observation:
- Pupils notice that sudden ground movement can cause buildings to fall.
- Pupils observe that early warning systems (like sensors and alarms) help people escape danger.
- Pupils note that shaking can be felt before a major earthquake hits.
Discovery:
- Earthquakes are caused by movements in the Earth’s crust.
- Scientists use tools like seismographs to detect tremors before a big earthquake.
- Earthquake alerts help save lives by giving people a few seconds or minutes to take cover or run to safety.
Conclusion:
Earthquake alerts are early warnings given when the ground starts to shake. Scientists use special tools and observations to detect them. With proper education and quick response, people can stay safe during earthquakes.