After learning about P waves and S waves, fifth graders view the intensity of earthquakes by examining seismographs and images of earthquake damage. Young scientists then forecasting future quakes by analyzing data about earthquakes around the world in common locations.

Concepts

p waves, s waves, seismic waves, seismographs, earthquakes, the richter scale, the lithosphere

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Additional Tags

science

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Instructional Ideas

• Add the following terms to a word wall: earthquake, lithosphere, P wave, S wave, seismic waves, Mercalli Scale, Richter Scale, converge, diverge, epicenter

Classroom Considerations

• Acquire the following materials before implementing in the classroom: slinky, rope, and maps of the United States
• The second of four lessons that make up a unit on the plate tectonics cycle
• Have class members refer to pages 3-5 in the workbook for this portion of the unit

Pros

• The workbook for the entire unit is listed under Included Materials
• Blackline masters are provided within the resource

Cons

• The map worksheet is slightly out of focus