Flourishing Friendships Collection Sneakers and Suspicion

“It’s strange when you think about it, isn’t it?” Cooper said thoughtfully. He was sitting under a tree slurping his fast-melting lemonade ice-block. He’d been playing basketball together with Brodie, Tyson and a group of other kids when, hot and bothered, they decided to head to the pool to cool off. Cooper was a talented basketball player. The other kids could only watch his dodge and weave with envy.

“What’s strange?” Brodie replied. He pulled himself out of the water and onto the pool’s edge. Tyson was right beside him. Goosebumps covered their bodies, so they lay down on the hot concrete pathway.

“Well, we get in the pool to cool off, then we lie down on the concrete to warm up, then we sit in the shade and get an ice-block to cool down, then we get hot again and jump back in the pool!”

R: What sport is Cooper good at?

I: What was the weather like? How do you know?

C: Find the word bothered, what other word could be used instead for the sentence to still make sense?

Wednesday 6th May 2026

LC: To know how natural disasters affect living things.

• What do you notice?
• What might happen to people or animals in these pictures?
• Which disaster do you think is most dangerous? Why?

Natural disasters are powerful events in nature that can change land and affect all living things.

Examples:

Floods: Homes can be destroyed
Animals may lose habitats
Crops can be ruined

Earthquakes: Buildings collapse
People may get injured
Animals may become displaced

Volcanoes: Ash can cover plants and stop them growing
Air can become unsafe to breathe
Animals may need to escape

Wildfires: Forests are destroyed
Animals lose their homes
Smoke affects humans and animals          

Animals living in the wild are particularly vulnerable during natural disasters. Earthquakes, hurricanes, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, and forest fires can have devastating consequences. Let’s explore how these events impact animals.

1. Earthquakes and Tsunamis:

   • Earthquakes strike without warning and can shake both land and seabed. Animals may be displaced, swept away by high winds or rushing floodwaters, or trapped with no escape.
   • Small animals can drown more easily, have their burrows flooded by heavy rains, or be crushed or burned.
   • Displaced animals crowded together risk major outbreaks of disease and parasite infestations.
   • Malnutrition and starvation due to limited food supplies become significant risks.
   • Exposure to sun, cold, or wind without adequate shelter can also harm animals.
   • Tsunamis can directly kill marine animals or affect water temperature and the amount of salt in the water, impacting their health

• Hurricanes:

  • Animals can be battered by strong winds, heavy rain, and flooding.
  • Coastal habitats are particularly vulnerable, with marine animals facing the brunt of storm surges and high waves.
  • Disruption of ecosystems and loss of food sources occur during and after hurricanes¹.

• Volcanic Eruptions and Fires:

  • Animals may die from being drowned or buried alive by dirt, ash, lava, or snow.
  • Burrows collapse or burn, crushing animals inside.
  • Debris and temperature changes in water affect marine animals.
  • Poisoning from contaminated food and water is a risk.
  • Exposure to extreme heat or cold can harm animals¹ 
  •  
  • Landslides and Avalanches:
    • Animals can be buried alive or crushed by falling debris.
    • Displacement disrupts their habitats and food sources².

    • Unusual Natural Events:

      • Even mild events by human standards can be catastrophic for animals.
      • Survival depends on species adaptations, life stage, breeding season, migratory behavior, and habitat.
      • Animals with sharp senses or means of escape have better chances.

I would like you to make a poster to explain what you have learned. Set it out in a similar way to the image below. Don't copy it because the example is not about living things.