Children’s understanding of natural hazards in Christchurch : reflecting on a 2003 study

In 2003 Cobham Intermediate School student, Sarah Standring, teamed up with our research team as part of her school science project, to collect data on her fellow students understanding of natural hazards in Christchurch (Finnis et al. 2004). Using a questionnaire that had recently been used in an Auckland study, she surveyed over 100 of her classmates to investigate natural hazards risk perceptions, levels of preparedness and participation in hazards education programs. The results of the Cobham survey showed students had high awareness of many hazards, with over half ranking earthquakes as one of the two most likely. Over three quarters reported having felt an earthquake in the past.