Subject: Fault
Grade Level: Grade 7
Objective:
1. Define the parts of a fault and the ways they are classified.
2. Describe how faults are formed and move.
3. Identify the type of nearest fault line in their community from a map.
I. Before the Lesson / Pre-lesson Proper
Learning within the curriculum:
1. Earthquakes and Their Effects - Understanding how faults relate to seismic activity
and the impact on communities.
2. Plate Tectonics - Exploring the movement of tectonic plates and how it leads to
the formation of faults.
Learning across the curriculum:
1. Geography - Learning about map reading skills and how to identify geological
features in local areas.
2. Physics - Understanding the principles of force, motion, and energy that relate to
fault movements and earthquakes.
Activating Prior Knowledge:
Teaching Strategy: Cooperative Learning
Instructional Materials: Map of local faults (printed or drawn) and whiteboard for
group discussions.
Energizer 1: Fault Line Charades - Students act out different types of faults (e.g.,
normal, reverse, strike-slip) while others guess. This encourages active participation
and engagement.
Energizer 2: Think-Pair-Share - Students think about what they know about
earthquakes and faults, pair up to discuss, and then share with the class. This
promotes collaboration and verbal communication.
Establishing Lesson Purpose / Intention:
Today, we will explore the fascinating world of faults and how they impact our Earth.
Understanding faults is essential for knowing how earthquakes occur and the
importance of safety measures in our communities.
Lesson Language Practice/Unlocking of Difficulties:
Key Terms:
1. Fault
2. Tectonic Plates
3. Seismic Waves
Key Concepts:
1. Faults are classified based on their movement and structure.
2. Understanding how faults move helps us predict potential earthquakes and their
effects.
II. During the Lesson Proper
Reading the Key Idea:
Faults are fractures in the Earth’s crust where movement has occurred, and they can
be classified into different types based on their characteristics.
Developing Understanding of the Key Idea:
Activities
Activity 1: Create a Fault Model
Teaching Strategy: Project-Based Learning
Materials: Clay or playdough, markers, and a flat surface.
Significance: Students will create a physical model of different types of faults,
enhancing understanding through hands-on learning.
Instructions:
1. In groups, decide which type of fault (normal, reverse, strike-slip) to model.
2. Use clay to represent the Earth’s crust and demonstrate how the fault moves.
3. Label the parts of the fault on your model.
Rubrics:
- Accuracy of Model: 5 pts.
- Creativity and Presentation: 5 pts.
- Group Collaboration: 5 pts.
Assessment Questions:
1. What type of fault did you model, and how does it move?
2. Can you explain the parts of your fault?
3. How does this fault affect the surrounding area?
Activity 2: Mapping Local Fault Lines
Teaching Strategy: Inquiry-Based Learning
Materials: Access to local maps (printed or digital).
Significance: Students will identify and analyze fault lines in their community,
connecting theory to real-world application.
Instructions:
1. Using the provided map, locate the nearest fault line to your community.
2. Mark and label the fault type you identified.
3. Discuss as a class how this fault could impact your community.
Rubrics:
- Identification of Fault: 5 pts.
- Clarity of Map Presentation: 5 pts.
- Participation in Discussion: 5 pts.
Assessment Questions:
1. What type of fault did you find in your area?
2. Why is it important to know where fault lines are located?
3. What precautions should communities take near fault lines?
Deepening Understanding of the Key Idea:
Activity: Fault Movement Simulation
Teaching Strategy: Experiential Learning
Materials: None required (can be done in an open space).
Significance: Students will simulate fault movements to understand the dynamics of
how they affect the Earth.
Instructions:
1. In a large group, form two lines to represent tectonic plates.
2. As the teacher calls out different movements (e.g., slide, rise, fall), students will
act out the corresponding fault movement.
3. Discuss as a class how these movements can lead to earthquakes.
Rubrics:
- Engagement in Simulation: 5 pts.
- Understanding of Movements: 5 pts.
- Ability to Discuss Impacts: 5 pts.
Assessment Questions:
1. How did your movements represent the different types of faults?
2. What happens during an earthquake at a fault line?
3. Why is it important to understand fault movements?
III. After the Lesson / Post-lesson Proper
Making Generalizations / Abstractions:
Today, we learned that faults are crucial to understanding earthquakes and
geological processes. By identifying the types of faults and their movements, we can
better prepare ourselves for potential seismic events and their impacts on our
communities. Recognizing the importance of faults helps us appreciate the dynamic
nature of our planet.
Assessment - Evaluating Learning:
Teaching Strategy: Direct Instruction
Questions:
1. What are the main parts of a fault?
2. Describe how a normal fault differs from a reverse fault.
3. Why is it important to identify fault lines in our communities?
For Higher Order Thinking Skills:
Questions:
1. How might human activities influence fault movement?
2. What safety measures should be taken in earthquake-prone areas?
3. How does understanding faults contribute to disaster preparedness?
Answers:
1. Activities such as mining or large construction can destabilize the ground,
potentially affecting fault lines.
2. Safety measures include creating earthquake-resistant buildings and having
emergency plans.
3. Knowledge of faults allows communities to prepare and respond effectively to
natural disasters, minimizing risks.
Additional Activities for Application / Remediation:
1. Create a simple infographic that explains different types of faults and their effects
on communities. This can be done using any available materials at home, such as
paper and markers, or digitally if resources allow.
