Curated OER
Magnitude of Earthquakes
Young scholars investigate the causes and effects of earthquakes and investigate their magnitude. In this earthquakes lesson, students study the Richter Scale and measure it as it relates to the energy released by an earthquake. Young...
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Earthquake, Earthquake, Read All About It!
Students utilize the U.S. Geological Service web site. They research the various types of scales used to measure earthquakes and classify different situations on the scale. They write a story about a town that has just experienced a quake.
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Idaho Earthquakes
High schoolers examine the types of earthquakes that occur in Idaho. In groups, they compare and contrast the types of energy released and how they affect the movement of the Earth. To end the instructional activity, they analyze a map...
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How do we measure global earthquakes?
Students examine three seismograms of a recent South American earthquake recorded by USGS stations. They measure the S-P distance and use a P and S wave travel-time graph to find the epicenter distance for each seismogram. In addition,...
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Shake, Rattle And Roll: Studying the Effects of an Earthquake
Students gauge earthquake intensity by reviewing firsthand accounts. They use the Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale and newspaper articles to estimate the strength and effects of a past earthquake.
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Earthquake Waves And Their Destructions
Students investigate primary and secondary waves and how to measure the magnitude of waves. They discover how to find the epicenter of earthquakes. They examine why waves are more destructive in some areas than others through these...
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Evaluating an Illinois Earthquake
Students examine the frequency of earthquakes in Illinois. They discover the distribution of earthquakes in the Midwest. They also practice reading measurements from the Richter scale and Mercalli Intensity scale.
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Stick-Slip Movement
Ninth graders operate a model to observe the type of motion that occurs at a fault during an earthquake. They explore the effects of several variables. Students measure movement, calculate averages and plot and graph information.
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Water Erosion and the Effects of Earthquakes
High schoolers participate in an activity in which they simulate geological events such as earthquakes and erosion. For a fifteen to twenty minute time period, they shake a jar with 100 grams of marble chips and water. They measure the...
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Seismic Waves
Students work together to discuss seismic waves. Using seismograph records, they practice determining where the epicenter of the earthquake was located. They identify and illustrate the three types of waves and how the records can be...
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Earthquake Patterns
Students identify and interpret the cyclical nature of the Parkfield, California earthquakes. They then investigate and graph earthquake occurrences on the Mojave segment of the San Andreas fault and then on the Hayward fault in order to...
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Earthquake Activity
Pupils design and build a vehicle using Lego. In this earth science lesson, students analyze the factors they need to consider when building their vehicles. They present their finished project in class.
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The Earth Moves Under My Feet
Middle schoolers study earthquakes, monitor seismic activity using the Web, and plot real-time activity. They examine movement of the Earth's tectonic plates. They create an earthquake preparedness project.
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Shake, Rattle and Roll
Sixth graders explore the causes and effects of earthquakes. They also collect and analyze data in graphs. They also use the Internet to research earthquakes
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Get Ready to Rumble
Students use the Internet to examine earthquakes. They discover the theory of tectonic plates and analyze faults throughout the world. They also examine the science of seismology to explain how earthquakes are measured.
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Model of a Normal Fault
Students understand what a normal fault is and why it causes an Earthquake. For this normal fault lesson, students create a model of a normal fault.
Science Matters
Earth Shaking Events
The world's largest measured earthquake happened in 1960 in Chile, reaching a terrifying 9.5 magnitude on the Richter Scale. The second activity in the 20-part series introduces earthquakes and fault lines. Scholars map where previous...
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Measure for Measure
Young mathematicians work to recognize the relationship between their scale models of the Joides research vessel and the real vessel. They calculate the relationships between various parts of the ship using fractions, ratios, and...
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Making Waves: A Study of Earthquakes and Tsunami
Students examine plate tectonics and the causative effect of earthquakes. In this tectonics lesson students differentiate between the types of energy waves that cause earthquakes and tsunamis and how waves travel at different speeds.
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Earthquake Plotting
Students become familiar with map coordinates. They establish the frequency of earthquake occurrences and study the location and magnitude of earthquakes. To establish the location of plate boundaries.
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Magnitude vs Intensity
Students use a zipcode map to locate earthquake experiences based on the Modified Mercalli Scale. They discuss the difference of the magnitude of an earthquake compared to the intensity of the shaking it causes.
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Earthquake on the Playground
Students investigate earthquakes by examining chart data. In this disasters lesson, students identify the waves that are recorded when an earthquake arises by reading sample graphs in class. Students participate in an earthquake...
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Earthquake Machine
Students explore plate tectonics by conducting a class experiment. In this earthquake lesson plan, students utilize scrap wood, sandpaper, rubber bands and a sanding belt to create a model earthquake experiment which shakes a nearby...
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Seismology in the Classroom
Pupils work together to use a sample seismograph. They role play the position of an engineering firm that is to analyze the machine. They discover how engineers develop new machines to take measurements.