---
title: "What Is an Earthquake"
description: "Know what an earthquake is: a sudden shaking of the ground that can be strong or weak"
canonical: https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/what-is-an-earthquake-mt_e29VrLfmYt
source: https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/what-is-an-earthquake-mt_e29VrLfmYt.md
retrieved: 2026-10-19
---

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# What Is an Earthquake

Know what an earthquake is: a sudden shaking of the ground that can be strong or weak

Subject: Science · Area: Volcanoes & Earthquakes · Ages 5 to 7
Page: https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/what-is-an-earthquake-mt_e29VrLfmYt

## Ready when they can

- Describe an earthquake as the ground shaking suddenly
- Explain that earthquakes vary in strength from barely noticeable to very strong
- Describe what it might feel like during an earthquake

## Lesson: What is an earthquake

An earthquake is a sudden shaking of the ground. A light shake is small and may be hard to feel. A strong shake moves the ground much more. The ground does not have to crack open for an earthquake to happen.

*(drawing: Earthquakes can cause different amounts of shaking.)*

**Example.** Mia feels a small shake at breakfast. Her cup wiggles a little. During stronger shaking, dishes may rattle and lamps may sway. Rattling and swaying show more movement than a tiny wobble.

Indoors, drop to your hands and knees when shaking starts. If a sturdy table is close, crawl under it and hold on with one hand. Cover your head and neck with your other arm. If no table is close, stay low and cover your head and neck with both arms. Stay there until shaking stops. Do not run outside. Practice with a grown-up.

**Recap.** Earthquakes are sudden ground shakes, from light to very strong.

## Practice

8 questions on this page, each with its working shown.

## Opens up

- [Earthquake Safety](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/earthquake-safety-mt__pMF-Xb0TE)
- [Fast & Slow Earth Changes](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/fast-and-slow-earth-changes-mt_adpdEaKEBC)
- [Ring of Fire](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/ring-of-fire-mt_bhwf_rDXQL)
- [Why Earthquakes Happen](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/why-earthquakes-happen-mt_NVr4AhsvIq)
- [Tsunamis](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/tsunamis-mt_Wu-ftkzoiE)