Lesson Plan: Disaster Readiness and Risk Reduction – Earthquake Preparedness

**Objective:**
Students will be able to understand and apply the principles of earthquake preparedness and risk
reduction.

**1. Engage:**
*Activity:* Begin with a short video or real-life accounts of earthquake experiences. Discuss the
emotional and physical impact of earthquakes on individuals and communities.

**2. Explore:**
*Activity:* Divide students into small groups and provide case studies of earthquake scenarios.
Have them discuss and brainstorm potential risks, vulnerabilities, and existing preparedness
measures.

**3. Explain:**
*Content:* Introduce the scientific aspects of earthquakes, including causes, types, and how they
affect different structures. Discuss the importance of early warning systems and emergency
plans.

*Activity:* Show examples of earthquake-resistant structures and explain engineering principles

behind them.

**4. Elaborate:**
*Activity:* Conduct a tabletop simulation where students develop their own earthquake
preparedness plans for a fictional community. Emphasize collaboration, resource allocation, and
communication strategies.

**5. Evaluate:**
*Assessment:* Provide a 5-item multiple-choice test to evaluate students’ understanding of
earthquake preparedness and risk reduction.

1. What is the primary cause of earthquakes?

a. Hurricanes
b. Tornadoes
c. Volcanic activity
d. Tsunamis

2. Why is early warning essential in earthquake preparedness?

a. To evacuate cities
b. To reduce damage and casualties
c. To trigger earthquakes
d. To test emergency response systems

3. What is the purpose of earthquake-resistant structures?

a. To prevent earthquakes
b. To withstand earthquake forces
c. To detect earthquakes
d. To attract earthquakes

4. In the “Explore” activity, what is the main focus of discussing case studies?
a. Analyzing historical earthquakes
b. Identifying earthquake-resistant materials
c. Designing earthquake preparedness plans
d. Discussing emotional impacts
5. During the “Elaborate” activity, why is collaboration emphasized in developing preparedness
plans?
a. To compete with other groups
b. To promote teamwork and coordination
c. To create chaos for better learning
d. To confuse the simulation