For students at the K–2 grade levels, focus on discovering what earthquakes and tsunamis are and help students develop a sense of place by exploring Japan's location and geography.

Tremor Troop: Earthquakes—A Teacher's Package for K–6. Download this PDF file for a complete unit on earthquakes. The lessons in Unit I, Level 1, will help students answer the question, "What is an earthquake?" There are several additional lessons and activities in this unit that delve deeper into the topic of earthquakes.

K–6 Tsunami Curriculum. Download this PDF file for a complete unit on tsunamis. The file also includes earthquake information and activities.

What Is a Tsunami? Watch this Wonderopolis animation of a tsunami.

The Three Little Pigs in Earthquake Land. Discuss the importance of specially constructed buildings for earthquake-prone areas.

To Build an Island, Learn about the basic geography of islands and where they are located around the world. The lesson focuses on the British Isles and the Philippines. Either add Japan or substitute it for one of the other islands. Use these websites in place of the ones suggested in the lesson:

Kid's Web Japan
National Geographic: Xpeditions Atlas outline map of Japan

Fundamentals of Physical Geography [excerpt]: Chapter 10, "Introduction to the Lithosphere" (ORC #9173). Review this comprehensive overview of the Earth's surface features and the processes that shape them.

Earthquake Science Explained—A Series of Ten Short Articles for Students, Teachers, and Families. Explore this series of one-page articles about earthquakes.

Satellite Photos of Japan, Before and After the Quake and Tsunami. View before-and-after pictures of the affected areas.