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What’s inside...
Read and find out about one of nature's most mysterious forces—the earthquake. Some earthquakes are so small that you don't even feel them, while others can make even big buildings shake! Learn why earthquakes happen, where they are most likely to occur, and what to do if one happens near you. Now rebranded with a new cover look and with updated text and art, this classic picture book describes the causes and effects of earthquakes (including a tsunami). This book features rich vocabulary and fascinating cross-sections of mountains, volcanoes, and faults in the earth's moving crust. The text and art were vetted by Dr. Roland Burgmann, Professor of the Department of Earth and Planetary Science at the University of California, Berkeley. This is a Level 2 Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science title, which means the book explores more challenging concepts for children in the primary grades and supports the Common Core Learning Standards, Next Generation Science Standards, and the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) standards. Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science is the winner of the American Association for the Advancement of Science/Subaru Science Books & Films Prize for Outstanding Science Series.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think causes an earthquake?
How do you think people and animals feel when an earthquake happens?
Can you think of any ways to stay safe if an earthquake were to occur?
What are some things we can learn from studying earthquakes?
How can we help communities that are affected by earthquakes?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their emotions or any fears they might have about earthquakes by discussing the safety measures they learned from the book.
Use a globe or a map to point out different areas of the world where earthquakes are common, linking it to the geographical content in the book.
After reading, ask your child to draw a picture of the earth's layers, reinforcing the scientific concepts in the book.
Consider building a small model or a diagram with your child to demonstrate tectonic plate movements which cause earthquakes, making connections with the real-world phenomenon.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding Natural Phenomena
Explanation: The book explains the scientific reasons behind earthquakes, helping children understand natural occurrences.
Real-World Application: This knowledge demystifies frightening natural events, allowing children to approach them with curiosity rather than fear.
Example Lesson: Importance of Preparedness
Explanation: Through engaging narrative, the book emphasizes the need for readiness in case of an earthquake.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to participate in safety drills and understand the importance of emergency kits, fostering a sense of responsibility.
Example Lesson: Empathy for Disaster-Affected Communities
Explanation: By describing the impact of earthquakes on communities, the book instills a sense of empathy and awareness.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to contribute to aid efforts or understand more about global challenges faced by others.
Example Lesson: Critical Thinking
Explanation: The book prompts questions on why earthquakes occur and how they can be predicted, encouraging analytical thinking.
Real-World Application: Children can apply critical thinking to other areas of learning, understanding the world through questioning and reasoning.
Example Lesson: Resilience in Adversity
Explanation: The story portrays how communities rebuild after earthquakes, emphasizing resilience.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of recovery and perseverance through personal or communal hardships.