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 the magnitude affects on different shaped buildings. They then learn how to read seismographs and identify P-waves and S-waves.

Concepts

earthquakes, epicenters, the richter scale, seismic waves, p waves, s waves, wavelength

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Additional Tags

science

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Instructional Ideas

• Reserve time in the computer lab to research earthquake data during the post-lab

Classroom Considerations

• The second lesson in a series of four on the plate tectonics cycle
• Have learners refer to pages 4-6 in the workbook for this portion of the unit
• Gather all materials necessary for the lab prior to teaching

Pros

• A workbook for the entire unit is included below
• Blackline masters are provided within the resource

Cons

• Link in the post-lab does not work

Common Core

SL.4.1.a SL.4.2