Earthquakes — Earth science, 4–6 years
Sometimes the ground shakes because parts of the rocky Earth move suddenly. Earthquakes can be tiny or powerful, and people learn ways to stay safer.
When the ground shakes
An earthquake is a sudden shaking of the ground. Deep below our feet, large pieces of Earth’s hard outer layer are slowly moving, pressing or sliding. Sometimes they move suddenly, sending shaking through the ground, like a table wobbling when something bumps it.
Why does it happen?
The hard outer part of Earth is not one single piece. It is made of enormous slabs that move very slowly, pushed by heat and movement deep inside Earth. Their edges can catch for a while, storing a push, and then slip; the released movement makes an earthquake.
A shaking classroom
Imagine that a classroom begins to shake: a pencil rolls, a lamp swings and the floor moves for ten seconds. First, stay inside and move away from windows. Next, crouch under a strong table and protect your head. When the shaking stops, listen to the adult and leave calmly if told.
A shaking is not always an earthquake
When a child feels the floor move, it is natural to decide that an earthquake is happening. The same feeling can come from a heavy lorry, a nearby train or someone jumping. Look for the wider signs and tell an adult; do not run outside just because one object shook.
Building more safely
In places where earthquakes happen, engineers design buildings that can bend and shake without falling easily. Families and schools practise where to shelter and how to stay calm. Sensors can record the shaking, helping experts understand earthquakes and send warnings in some places.
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