Earth and Environmental Science · Year 11

Active learning ideas

Earthquakes and Volcanic Activity

This topic examines the high-energy events of the geosphere: earthquakes and volcanoes. Students link these phenomena to tectonic plate boundaries and hotspots, exploring the relationship between magma composition and volcanic explosivity (ACSES026, ACSES027). They also learn the mechanics of seismic energy release and how we measure magnitude and intensity.

• ACARA Content Descriptions
• ACSES026
• ACSES027

• 40–60 min
• Pairs → Whole Class
• 3 activities

Activity 01

• Simulation Game
• 40 min · Small Groups

Simulation Game: The Magma Viscosity Lab

Students use liquids of different viscosities (syrup, water, oil) and straws to blow bubbles, simulating how gas escapes from different magma types. They relate the 'pop' intensity to the explosivity of shield vs. composite volcanoes.

How are earthquakes and volcanoes distributed globally?

• Apply
• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Create
• Social Awareness
• Decision-Making

Activity 02

• Inquiry Circle
• 50 min · Pairs

Inquiry Circle: Epicentre Location

Using real seismograms from three different Australian stations, students use the S-P travel time difference to calculate distance and draw circles on a map to triangulate the epicentre of a recent earthquake.

What factors determine the explosivity of a volcano?

• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Create
• Self-Management
• Self-Awareness

Activity 03

• Mock Trial
• 60 min · Whole Class

Mock Trial: The Prediction Debate

Can we predict earthquakes? Students take roles as geologists, city planners, and citizens in a mock trial to determine if a government should be held liable for not evacuating a city based on 'precursor' seismic signals.

How do scientists measure and monitor seismic activity?

• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Create
• Decision-Making
• Social Awareness

A few notes on teaching this unit

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Watch Out for These Misconceptions

• Earthquakes only happen at plate boundaries.

  Intraplate earthquakes occur due to internal stresses within a plate, such as the 1989 Newcastle earthquake. Discussing Australian seismic history helps students understand that being 'mid-plate' does not mean zero risk.

• All volcanoes explode violently.

  Explosivity depends on silica content and gas pressure. Low-silica (mafic) magma flows quietly, while high-silica (felsic) magma traps gas and explodes. A 'viscosity race' activity helps students connect chemical composition to physical behaviour.

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Methods used in this brief

• Simulation Game
• Inquiry Circle
• Mock Trial