Volcanoes, Landslides and Flooding – Oh My!

Are your students exploring different ways the Earth’s surface can change? Whether 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
• Hurricanes 

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 pieces, creating 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 practice 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 cardstock 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 teacher in Florida and 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 – Instructional Slide Deck

Investigate rapid changes to Earth's surface and other natural disasters such as volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and landslides with this instructional slide deck.

teaching resource

Natural Disasters – Poster Pack

Display information about different types of natural disasters with this poster pack.

teaching resource

Natural Disasters – Vocabulary Cards

Reinforce science vocabulary in your classroom with this set of free word wall cards that focus on natural disasters.