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Earthquakes have been shaking up countries all over the world. This recent seismic activity has caused total devastation in Haiti. But there are many people out there trying to help. Lesson Planet is helping to raise money to provide relief for the Haitian people who have lost so much. You can find a link to a site called Save the Children Foundation on Lesson Planet's Facebook page.
This is also a good time for teachers to explore earthquake lesson plans that can help explain why these natural phenomena occur. Teachers can start by going over the basics. Earthquakes are caused by energy being released from the earth’s crust causing a rupture of geological faults. This shifting makes the land roll, and the ground shake. Along with learning about the scientific explanation of an earthquake, students can discuss how architects design buildings to be able to withstand earthquakes. The movement of buildings can be catastrophic if the structures aren’t earthquake-proofed. Students can test this theory out for themselves by performing some experimentation. An example could be as simple as creating a building of blocks on top of books and shifting the books side to side. While elementary in illustration, the impact on a greater scale can be imagined.
If the seismic activity occurs on the ocean floor, a tsunami can be created. These huge waves can happen hundred of miles away from land, but can travel great distances. This happened in 2004 in the Indian Ocean; a giant wave affected fourteen countries. Moving a block of wood in an aluminum tray filled with water can demonstrate how a small disruption can create a bigger one.
Students can also discuss the instruments scientists use to measure the severity of an earthquake. Earthquakes can be measured by recording their seismic waves with seismometers. This instrument is very sensitive to the earth’s movements. It moves up and down and records the data for analysis. The key operating factor is the principle of inertia. This is a great way to incorporate physics for younger and older students. Below are some earthquake lesson plans.
Earthquake Lesson Plans:
Earthquakes Prediction has students use real-time earthquake and volcano data. Information over several weeks will be collected and compiled online. The practice of plotting longitude and latitudes is included.
Earthquakes Rock has children measure earthquakes with the Richter scale and Mercalli Scale. The investigation of the most stable structural designs is studied. There is a discussion about what would be the most sound for architecture.
Finding An Earthquake Epicenter has students understand the societal and geological impact of earthquakes. A seismograph will be interpreted to figure out the distance of the epicenter.
Earthquake City has the whole family get involved in creating a stable earthquake-proof city. Sugar cubes, bullion cubes and gelatin cubes are all used as building materials. Earthquake magnitude is also explained.
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