Disasters

Earthquakes are caused by forces deep within the earth.

When the earth shakes, buildings can collapse and people can be buried inside.

An explosion is a rapid, violent release of energy.

Explosions can be caused by chemical reaction, such as inside an engine.

A spark can ignite a mixture of gases and release energy for good and destructive purposes.

Accidents are often caused by people doing foolish things or by not being careful.

One major cause of accidents is driving too fast.

Accidents with fire can be very serious and can result in very painful injuries.

Epidemics are the rapid spread of a disease such as the flu or ebola.

Throughout history epidemics have killed millions of people.

Storms are caused by changes in the atmosphere resulting in high winds and heavy rain.

Thunderstorms are caused by electric charges in the atmosphere that produce lightning, which can cause forest fires.

Some storms cause flooding, and major damage to homes and cities.

Many forest fires are caused by lighting.

Accidents are often caused by people doing foolish things or by not being careful.

Religions

Followers of the islam religions are called Muslims.

These Muslims are praying inside a mosque.

Muslims are called to prayer five times a day, beginning just before sunrise.

Christianity is based on the teaching of Jesus Christ who lived more than 2,000 years ago.

Christians believe that Jesus is the son of God.

Christians are often gather in churches or cathedrals to worship.

Followers of Judaism are called Jews.

These Jews are meeting inside the synagogue, which is a place of worship and study.

Judaism was founded over 3500 years ago in the Middle East.

Judaism is based on the teaching of Moses, who they believe is the most important prophet.

Buddhism began in India and is based on the teachings of the Buddha.

The religion is about 2,500 years old.

Some Buddhists practice a form of meditation in which they empty their minds of any thought.

Hinduism is the world’s third most popular religion and is the main religion of India.

Hinduism has no founder and is a mixture of many beliefs.

Some Hindus believe in a circle of birth, life, death and rebirth.