Land on the Run

Students learn about landslides, discovering that there are different types of landslides that occur at different speeds — from very slow to very quick. All landslides are the result of gravity, friction and the materials involved. Both natural and human-made factors contribute to landslides. Students learn what makes landslides dangerous and what engineers are doing to prevent and avoid landslides. In this lesson, students learn about landslides.

Standards & Objectives

Learning objectives: 

After this lesson, students should be able to:

  • Describe the basic characteristics of a landslide.
  • Relate that gravity and friction are major factors in landslides.
  • Explain several contributors to landslides: heavy rain, runoff water, earthquakes, human activities, forest fires, etc.
  • List several ways that engineers reduce the danger and destruction of landslides.

Lesson Variations

Blooms taxonomy level: 
Understanding
Extension suggestions: 
  • Share examples of landslides that have occurred in the local area.
  • Avalanches are a type of landslide. Have students learn more about avalanches. What have engineers developed to detect them? What equipment is available for people who are caught in one?
  • Have students learn more about erosion and its ability to trigger a landslide.

References

Contributors: