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What Are Natural Hazards — Reading Comprehension

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NGSS 4-ESS3-2
ESS3.B

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This audio-integrated reading passage introduces fourth-grade students to natural hazards as part of the NGSS 4-ESS3-2 standard. Students learn that natural hazards are dangerous events caused by Earth's natural processes, including earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis, severe storms, floods, droughts, and wildfires. The passage explains that these events have occurred throughout Earth's history and will continue to happen because they result from natural Earth processes. While humans cannot eliminate natural hazards, the passage emphasizes that scientists and engineers work to reduce their impacts through warning systems, building codes, and emergency plans. Written at a fourth-grade reading level, this passage uses clear explanations and real-world examples to help students understand the concept of natural hazards and the importance of preparedness. The content aligns with ESS3.B: Natural Hazards, focusing on how a variety of natural hazards result from natural processes and how humans can take steps to reduce their impacts. Activities include comprehension questions, writing prompts, and graphic organizers to reinforce understanding.

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"Lick Fire on the Umatilla National Forest burning at night" by U.S. Forest Service- Pacific Northwest Region / Wikimedia Commons.

A natural hazard is a dangerous event caused by natural processes on Earth. Natural hazards include earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis, severe storms, floods, droughts, and wildfires. These events can harm people, damage buildings, and change the landscape around us.

Natural hazards are not caused by people. They happen because of the way Earth works. For example, earthquakes occur when pieces of Earth's outer layer suddenly move. Floods happen when too much rain falls in a short time or when snow melts quickly. Wildfires start when dry plants catch fire during hot, dry weather. These events have happened throughout Earth's history and will continue to happen.

Scientists study natural hazards to understand when and where they might occur. Engineers are people who design and build things. They create stronger buildings and warning systems to help protect people. Communities make emergency plans so people know what to do when a natural hazard happens. Think of it like wearing a helmet when you ride a bike—you cannot stop yourself from falling, but you can reduce the harm if you do fall.

We cannot stop natural hazards, but we can prepare for them. Warning systems give people time to move to safe places. Building codes help make structures stronger. By learning about natural hazards, communities can reduce damage and save lives.

Interesting Fact: The largest earthquake ever recorded happened in Chile in 1960 and measured 9.5 on the Richter scale. It was so powerful that it created tsunami waves that traveled across the entire Pacific Ocean!

What is a natural hazard?

A dangerous event caused by peopleA dangerous event from Earth's processesA helpful event from natureA type of weather prediction

What causes earthquakes to happen?

Too much rain falling quicklyDry plants catching on firePieces of Earth's outer layer movingSnow melting too fast

Which is an example of natural hazard?

A car accidentA wildfireA building being builtA person falling down

How do warning systems help people?

They stop natural hazards from happeningThey make buildings strongerThey give time to move somewhere safeThey predict all future hazards

Why do engineers create stronger buildings?

To stop earthquakes from happeningTo help protect people from hazardsTo make buildings look betterTo save money on construction

What does the helmet example teach us?

We can stop all accidentsWe should never ride bikesWe can reduce harm even if not prevent itHelmets prevent all injuries