Earthquake Lesson Plans

Earthquakes have been shaking all over the world. Seismic activity can cause total devastation. Since earthquakes have recently been in the news, it is a good time to investigate various aspects of tremors.

Seismic Activities

A good way to begin is to review the basics. Earthquakes are caused by energy being released from the earth’s crust inducing a rupture of geological faults. This shifting makes the land roll, and the ground shake. Along with learning about the scientific explanation of an earthquake, students can discuss how architects design buildings to be able to withstand earthquakes. The movement of buildings can be catastrophic if structures are not earthquake-proof. Students can test this theory out for themselves by performing some experimentation. An example could be as simple as creating a building out of blocks, putting it on top of books, and shifting the books side to side. While elementary in illustration, the impact on a greater scale can be imagined.

If seismic activity occurs on the ocean floor, a tsunami can be created.  These huge waves can happen hundreds of miles away from land, but can travel great distances. Recently, Japan's tsunami was responsible for a significant amount of damage. Try moving a block of wood in an aluminum tray filled with water to demonstrate how a small disruption can create a bigger one.

Students can also discuss the instruments scientists use to measure the severity of an earthquake. Earthquakes can be measured by recording their seismic waves with seismometers. This instrument is very sensitive to the earth’s movements. It moves up and down, recording data for analysis. The key operating factor in a seismometer is the principle of inertia. This is a great way to incorporate physics into the lesson. Refer to the following lesson plans for more ideas.

Earthquake Lesson Plans:  

Earthquakes Prediction has students use real-time earthquake and volcano data. Information over several weeks will be collected and compiled online. The practice of plotting longitude and latitudes is included.

Earthquakes Rock has children measure earthquakes with the Richter scale and Mercalli Scale. The investigation of the most stable structural designs is studied. There is a discussion about what would be the most sound for architecture. 

Finding An Earthquake Epicenter has students understand the societal and geological impact of earthquakes. A seismograph will be interpreted to figure out the distance of the epicenter.

Earthquake City has the whole family get involved in creating a stable earthquake-proof city.  Sugar cubes, bouillon cubes and gelatin cubes are all used as building materials.  Earthquake magnitude is also explained.