Science Matters
Finding the Epicenter
The epicenter is the point on the ground above the initial point of rupture. The 10th lesson in a series of 20 encourages scholars to learn to triangulate the epicenter of an earthquake based on the arrival times of p waves and s waves....
Curated OER
Plotting Earthquakes
Students, after plotting earthquake locations on the map, should correctly; identify the pattern of earthquake locations and identify the ring of fire.
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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,...
Curated OER
Earth and Space Science: Exploring Earthquakes
Students explore earthquakes. In this earthquake lesson, students research earthquakes and identify where they take place. Students use map skills to track down earthquake locations. There are internet sites suggested in this lesson.
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Investigating Earthquakes: GIS Mapping and Analysis
Students describes the technique of preparing "GIS-ready" data and shows how to map that data and conduct basic analyses using a geographic information system (GIS).They use latitude and longitude fields to plot the data in a GIS and...
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Plot Current Earthquake Data
Students review earthquakes larger than 2.5 that have occurred over a span of several days using a given website reference. In this geology lesson, students plot epicenters on a world map and depth of the quake. All necessary websites...
Curated OER
The Distribution of Earthquakes
Students determine the rate of seismicity by determining the frequency of aftershocks following a major earthquake. They incorporate the use of the Internet, Excel 2000, a map of their area with latitude and longitude markers, and paper...
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Earthquakes
Sixth graders explore reasons for earthquakes. They discuss and describe the types of faults. Using the internet, 6th graders research a specific location of a former earthquake. They describe the damage, magnitude, the epicenter,...
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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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Earthquakes
Sixth graders explain that earthquakes are sudden motions along breaks in the crust called faults. They list the major geologic events including earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and mountain building, which are the result of crustal plate...
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Earthquakes & Volcanoes I: What Causes Them and Where They Are
Students study the properties of volcanoes and earthquakes. In this earthquakes and volcanoes lesson plan students write a story on what they did during their experiment.
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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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Finding an Earthquake's Epicenter
Young scholars examine the process used to identify the epicenter of an earthquake. They identify the Richter scale and interpret a seismograph reading. They also view photographs of the aftermath of earthquakes.
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Earthquake!
Young scholars study causes, probability and location of earthquakes. They complete a number of activities and look at web pages to examine the characteristics of earthquakes.
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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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Converging Earthquake!
Students identify the fault lines and tectonic plates on the map. In this earth science activity, students simulate landscape formation using robots. They take a quiz at the end of the activity to demonstrate mastery.
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Determining the Time of an Earthquake
In this earthquake worksheet, students will study a table showing the travel times of seismic waves from an earthquake. Students will use this information to determine when and where the earthquake occurred. This worksheet has 6 short...
NOAA
Subduction Zones
Sink into an interactive learning experience about subduction zones! Junior oceanographers examine the earth-shaking and earth-making effects of subduction in the fourth installment in a 13-part series. Hands-on activities include...
Curated OER
Let Me Tell You About...
Students comprehend the differences between flat maps and relief or topographical maps. They recognize how forces such as earthquakes, volcanoes, water, and wind-as well as human actions--have altered the Earth's surface. Students work...
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A Whole Lot of Shakin' Goin' On!
Students review characteristics of an earthquake. They explore information about earthquakes to determine the effects of an earthquake. They compare the earthquakes of 1906 and 1989.
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Seismic Calendar
Students discover how often earthquakes happen in a region of their choice. In this science lesson, students use online resouces to help them do their investigations. Students make their own map of their region and show how many...
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Deadly Shadow of Vesuvius
Students view a video clip about volcanoes. They collect data and create maps to see the relationship between volcanoes, earthquakes and plates. They share their maps with the 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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Sea Floor Spreading
Students discuss convection currents in the Earth's mantle, how they form, and how they move as well as the causes of earthquakes. Working in a group, they analyze a color coded World Earthquake Map and try to determine which direction...