Lesson 5: What is a tsunami?

Year 4 Geography Lesson Pack – What Is a Tsunami?

This Year 4 geography lesson pack introduces pupils to tsunamis, how they form and their impact on coastal areas. As part of our volcanoes and earthquakes unit, pupils develop their understanding of natural disasters and the physical processes that cause them.

Through diagrams, discussion and case studies, pupils learn how tsunamis are triggered by underwater earthquakes and tectonic movement, and how they travel across oceans before reaching land. This lesson supports pupils in explaining cause and effect and understanding the impact of natural hazards on people and places.

What’s included

• Editable teaching slides explaining tsunami formation and impact
• Diagrams to support understanding of ocean movement and wave formation
• Differentiated worksheet exploring effects on people and environments
• Case study activity analysing real tsunami events

This Year 4 tsunami lesson pack supports pupils in understanding physical geography and builds on prior learning about earthquakes and global hazard patterns. Access this complete Year 4 geography lesson as part of our KS2 Geography Scheme of Work.