Natural disasters are large weather events, that can sometimes be scary and harmful. It is important to learn about natural disasters so we know how to keep ourselves safe. Let's learn all about natural disasters, who they affect and what happens when one occurs near us! Later on in the book you will also get to do a science experiment! I wonder what adventures we will take? What disasters will we learn about? Take a moment before we begin to think about what you already know about natural disasters! 

Although natural disasters are out of our control, it is important that we know what to expect and what to do in the case of an emergency. It is also important that we listen to those around us and try to remain calm. Now let's get to the fun part, learning!

This is an Earthquake and happens when the Earth's plates rub against each other. Earthquakes shake the ground and can sometimes cause other natural disasters called Tsunamis. Earthquakes occur most in countries such as Fiji or Indonesia, very close to Australia!

This is a Tsunami. Tsunami's are massive waves that happen when  the Earth's plates rub against each other. Tsunamis occur very close to Australia as well, in Indonesia and the South Pacific Ocean. If we live near the coast we need to be on the lookout for Tsunamis occurring in our neighbouring countries' oceans. 

This is a Tornado. Tornado's happen when cold air and hot air combine causing a funnel of wind to hit the Earth's surface. Tornadoes occur frequently in many countries across the world, however in America there is a part of the country nicknamed Tornado Alley, where almost 30% of all Tornadoes in America occur.

This is called a Flood. Floods occur when there has been lots of rain fall. When it rains a lot the water has no where to go so it spills onto roads, streets and into houses and schools. Floods occur across the world, but happen frequently in Australia, as our land is often quite dry and can't handle a massive amount of rain. Can you remember a flood happening near you?

This is a Bushfire. Bushfires can happen when it is a really hot and dry day. Bushfires can also be lit on purpose by people, causing damage to wildlife, houses, people and the native bush.  Bushfires occur most in Australia during our hot summer, we often require help from other countries to help put out the massive blazes that can occur. 

Indigenous Australian's tell a dreamtime story of a Frog who swallowed so much water that he caused a HUGE flood! Indigenous Australians tell us that if we allowed water to flow freely in a motion called "bound-less water" we would see less frequent floods. First Nations people have a thorough insight into how we can protect our land, to make sure the wildlife and native plants that call Australia home are safe and secure.

Tiddalick the Frog is an Aboriginal Dreamtime legend that is about a frog causing a flood! In Aboriginal and Torres Strait Culture frogs like Tiddalick are used in times of drought to keep the mob hydrated. There are certain types of frogs that are buried below the ground and hold water in their mouths. Some Indigenous people use this to prevent becoming thirsty.  

Let's make our own Tsunami! Here are the steps: 

1. Fill a large rectangular container with water, to create the ocean. 

2. Collect some rocks and material from outside to create the land. 

3. Use a piece of cardboard to push the water backwards and forwards to create massive waves

4. Examine the damage to the "land", has it fallen apart and mixed with the "ocean"? 

5. Most importantly, make sure you clean up your space! 

There you have it, you have made your own TSUNAMI! 

What do you think could happen if your waves were like a Tsunami? Do you think there would be destruction?