Volcanoes, Landslides and Flooding – Oh My!

Are your students exploring different ways the Earth’s surface can change? Whether it is by hot lava, excess water or strong winds, different phenomena can drastically change how the landscape looks. Teach your students about different types of natural disasters, including:

• Volcanoes
• Earthquakes
• Flooding
• Landslides
• Tsunamis
• Cyclones

Teach Starter has developed a set of printable puzzles for your students to use during this Earth Sciences unit. Students are required to match four different puzzle pieces. This downloadable science resource comes with 24 different pieces, which will create 6 puzzles. The pieces include information such as:

• Description of the natural disaster
• Where it takes place
• What causes it
• How it changes the Earth’s surface

Tips for Differentiation + Scaffolding 

A team of dedicated, experienced educators created this resource to support your science lessons. 

If you have a mixture of above and below-level learners, check out these suggestions for keeping students on track with the concepts: 

🆘 Support Struggling Students

If there are students that need additional support, consider limiting the number of pieces required to complete the puzzle. Students can practise matching 2 or 3 pieces rather than all 4.

➕ Challenge Fast Finishers

Students who need a challenge can choose two of these rapid changes to compare and contrast in a short writing activity.

Easily Prepare This Resource for Your Students

Use the dropdown icon on the Download button to choose between the PDF or editable Google Slides version of this resource.

Print on thick card for added durability and longevity. Place all pieces in a folder or large envelope for easy access. 

This resource was created by Kaylyn Chupp, a Teach Starter Collaborator. 

Don’t stop there! We’ve got more activities and resources that cut down on lesson planning time:  

teaching resource

Natural Disasters - Illustrated Vocabulary Display

Reinforce science vocabulary in your classroom with this set of illustrated and annotated natural disaster word wall cards.