Earthquake in the Classroom

Lesson covering earthquake basics and designing structures that can withstand earthquakes. Students are tasked with building earthquake-proof structures using marshmallows, spaghetti, and the option of bamboo skewers. These are then...

Future engineers design and build structures out of toothpicks and marshmallows. They then make sure the structures can withstand an earthquake simulator!

Students build and test structures that can best withstand earthquakes. They create their structures from playdough, cornstarch, grape-nuts and popsicle sticks and place their structures on a "shake table."

Examine earthquake intensities and ways to measure an earthquake through the comparison of the Mercalli and Richter scales. After completing the pre-lab worksheet, fourth graders compare high and low intensity quakes by testing...

Students discuss what to do in the event of an earthquake. They develop an earthquake plan and practice it. They also discuss their fears about earthquakes.

Earthquakes can be frightening and dangerous, but being prepared can make a world of difference. Perform an earthquake simulation during which the class practices how to drop, cover, and hold on as you read a script...

Students investigate earthquakes and describe the interactions inside the Earth that cause them to occur. Then they research the equipment and systems for detection and measurement of earthquakes. Students also build and engage in a...

There are few natural phenomena as startling as an earthquake, and depending on the building you're in, these experiences can be downright terrifying. Follow along as this video explores the factors that determine how a building...

We can learn from the past to protect the future. Pairs look at two historical earthquakes: San Francisco, Calif., and Kobe, Japan. Pupils compare the two earthquakes and their impacts, then determine how engineers may use the...

Explains the physics of building movement during an earthquake through a discussion of force, mass, acceleration, frequency, and period. Then looks at the factors that affect a building's resilience versus the damage it could sustain.