


Help students explain the causes, impacts and responses to the Türkiye and Syria earthquake of 2023.
This detailed specific example uses southern Türkiye and northern Syria to connect tectonic processes with contrasting human circumstances. Students examine the fault setting, building vulnerability, social conditions and access to help, then use the evidence to explain why the disaster was so severe.
Learning covered
- Locate and explain the earthquake’s tectonic setting.
- Distinguish primary effects from secondary effects.
- Explain how physical and human factors influenced the impacts.
- Compare conditions and responses across the border.
- Assess the effectiveness of responses using evidence.
- Consider how future earthquake impacts could be reduced.
Teaching options and materials
Choose between the tiered Full Lesson presentation and the focused Essentials presentation. Matching materials include the Full Lesson workbook in colour, black and white and a version for typed responses, plus completed and student-notes Essentials Booklets with black-and-white alternatives. Exam practice, a mark scheme, a short assessment and a START HERE guide are included.
The Aftershock File
Teams prepare a case file for Türkiye or northern Syria, dividing responsibility between physical processes, buildings, people and response. They pair with a team studying the other side of the border and compare the evidence. Each group identifies the most significant factor, defends its judgement and tests it against an additional fact. The comparison helps students explain an outcome rather than just list causes. The collaborative lesson has its own presentation and printable pack.
Designed for ages 14–16 and Cambridge IGCSE Geography 0460 tectonics topics. Supplied as PowerPoint and Word files, plus a PDF guide. Text and tasks can be adapted; illustrations are embedded images.
Module 5 of the six-module Geography Oasis Plate Tectonics unit.
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