NEW AQA Physics (2016) - Seismic Waves

This lesson is designed for the NEW AQA Physics GCSE, particularly the ‘The properties of waves’ SoW.

For more lessons designed to meet specification points for the NEW AQA Trilogy specifications for Biology, Chemistry and Physics please see my shop: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/SWiftScience

The lesson begins with a recap on the structure of the Earth, students should have come across the model of the structure of the Earth in Year 8. The diagram shows the crust, the mantle, the outer core and inner core, with a description of each. Students will then complete a memory test to assess their knowledge of the structure.

The next part of the lesson focuses on seismology, students will be shown a video which introduces students to how earthquakes happen, in terms of seismic waves. The next slide then outlines the different types of seismic waves: P-waves, S-waves and L-waves. Students will then be given a comprehension sheet to read, and will need to answer a set of questions. The mark scheme for this task is included, so students can self-assess their work once complete.

Students will then be shown a model exam question, which they can answer in their books and then mark using the answers provided. Students will then be given a quick quiz on the topic of seismic waves, they can answer in their books and then peer-assess their work using the mark scheme.

The last activity is a true of false activity, based upon what the children have learned this lesson, answers also included.

The plenary task is a silent-5, students will answer one last summary question on the topic of seismic waves.

All resources are included. Thanks for looking, if you have any questions please let me know in the comments section and any feedback would be appreciated.