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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.

Weblink address (URL): 
Land on the Run

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: 
Karla Fultz
Originator: 
Ayers Institute for Learning & Innovation