Earth-Shattering Events: questions to ask and activities to try
Volcanoes, earthquakes, cyclones and tsunamis. Earth-Shattering Events is an illustrated atlas of nature's most extreme events.
What age is it for? Earth-Shattering Events is best for ages 7–10. Good for: Volcanoes, earthquakes, storms and tsunamis.
Earth-Shattering Events (Robin Jacobs and Sophie Williams)
- Age
- 7-10
- Best for
- Volcanoes, earthquakes, storms and tsunamis
Read a section at a time and find each event on a map. Talk about how people stay safe.
What it helps with
- Natural disasters
- Geography and maps
- Science of the Earth
- Safety
Comprehension and discussion questions
Pick two or three, not all of them. “I don’t know” is a fine answer, and you can always come back to it another day.
- “What causes an earthquake?”
- “How do volcanoes erupt?”
- “What is a tsunami?”
- “Where do cyclones happen?”
- “How do people stay safe?”
- “Which event is most powerful?”
5-minute activities to try together
Disaster map
Mark natural events from the book on a world map.
Shake test
Build a tower and test it on a wobbly tray.
Free printables: Earth-Shattering Events worksheet and activity pack
This book’s one-page worksheet with the questions and activities above, plus our activity pack: printable scenario cards, three 5-minute activities and a “What could I try?” page for practising everyday skills together. Enter your email and download them straight away.
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If your child liked this, try
Volcano (Claire Saxby and Jess Racklyeft)
- Best for
- Volcanoes deep under the sea, and the life they create
- Age
- 5-8
The Street Beneath My Feet (Charlotte Guillain and Yuval Zommer)
- Best for
- A journey down through the layers of the Earth
- Age
- 5-8
The Great Fire of London (Emma Adams and James Weston Lewis)
- Best for
- The Great Fire of London, 1666
- Age
- 5-8
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By the Growing Wise team · Last reviewed: 10 October 2026
Growing Wise offers educational ideas for parents and carers. It is not a substitute for professional medical, developmental or mental-health advice. As an Amazon Associate, Growing Wise earns from qualifying purchases.