What Is an Earthquake · seed 1 · A4, ink-friendly. The answer key prints on its own page for grown-ups.

What is an earthquake

Science · Volcanoes & Earthquakes · ages 5-7
Name ______________________   Date ____________

  1. How does earthquake shaking start?

    • It always grows slowly for a whole day
    • It always waits until people are ready
    • It starts suddenly

  2. What is an earthquake?

    • Rain falling from clouds
    • The ground shaking suddenly
    • The wind blowing hard

  3. All earthquakes shake the ground exactly the same amount.

    Circle one:   True   False

  4. During an earthquake, what would you most likely feel?

    • The ground staying perfectly still
    • The ground shaking and objects wiggling
    • A soft, gentle breeze only

  5. An earthquake makes a tiny shake that people can barely feel. How would you describe that shaking?

    • Medium
    • Strong
    • Light

  6. If you are indoors during earthquake shaking, you should run outside while the ground is still shaking.

    Circle one:   True   False

  7. Town A feels dishes rattle and lamps sway. Town B feels only a tiny wobble. Which town felt more shaking?

    • Town B
    • Both felt the same shaking
    • Town A

  8. Lily says an earthquake only happens if the ground cracks open. Which reply explains earthquakes?

    • A small shake can happen without cracks
    • Every earthquake must leave a deep crack
    • Only shakes that break roads are earthquakes
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Answer key

For grown-ups. Fold this page away before handing over the rest.

What is an earthquake W1-mt_e29VrLfmYt-s1

  1. It starts suddenly · Earthquake shaking starts suddenly.
  2. The ground shaking suddenly · An earthquake happens when the ground suddenly shakes.
  3. False · Some earthquakes are barely felt, and some are very strong.
  4. The ground shaking and objects wiggling · In an earthquake, the ground shakes and things around you wiggle or rattle.
  5. Light · A tiny, barely felt shake is light shaking.
  6. False · Protect yourself indoors during shaking. Do not run outside while it shakes.
  7. Town A · Rattling dishes and swaying lamps show more movement than a tiny wobble.
  8. A small shake can happen without cracks · An earthquake is sudden ground shaking. Cracks do not have to appear.
Worksheet · LightMySky