TV on a Rolling Cart

How do earthquakes happen?

From Mystery Doug

How do earthquakes happen?
7 minK1st2nd3rd4th5thScience
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Summary

Mystery Doug takes on a real kid's question -- "How do earthquakes happen?" -- and follows the clues. Earth's giant rock plates push against each other until they suddenly slip, releasing energy that shakes the ground. A quick five-minute watch to spark curiosity and kick off a conversation.

Viewer safety

All ages
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Teaching resources

Discussion questions

Discussion

Doug investigates a question kids really asked: "How do earthquakes happen?"

  1. What was Doug's answer to today's question, in your own words?
  2. What surprised you most about earthquake, or what did you already know?
  3. What's one thing this makes you want to find out more about?

Quick work-a-long

Words to know: earthquake, plate, fault.

Try it: Explain the answer to "How do earthquakes happen?" to someone at home using these three words, then write down one new question it made you wonder.