Locating the Epicenter

Size: px
Start display at page:

Download "Locating the Epicenter"

Transcription

1 Locating the Epicenter Overview: During this lesson, students will use information from seismographs to find the epicenter of the Great Alaska Earthquake of Targeted Alaska Grade Level Expectations: Science [] SA1.1 The student demonstrates an understanding of the processes of science by asking questions, predicting, observing, describing, measuring, classifying, making generalizations, inferring, and communicating [7] SD2.2 The student demonstrates an understanding of the forces that shape Earth by describing how the movement of the tectonic plates results in both slow changes (e.g., formation of mountains, ocean floors, and basins) and short-term events (e.g., volcanic eruptions, seismic waves, and earthquakes) on the surface. [6] SD2.3 The student demonstrates an understanding of the forces that shape Earth by describing how the surface can change rapidly as a result of geological activities (i.e., earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanoes, floods, landslides, avalanches). Math [7] MEA-5 The student demonstrates understanding of measurement techniques by accurately measuring a given angle using a protractor to the nearest plus or minus 2 degrees Objectives: The student will: observe an animation of an earthquake-triggered tsunami; describe how an earthquake can trigger a tsunami; measure distance on a map using a scale; and locate the epicenter of an earthquake using information from three seismometers. Materials: Drawing compasses (one per student) MULTIMEDIA FILE: Generation of Tsunami by Subduction Zone Earthquake on the ATEP Website: STUDENT WORKSHEET: Locating the Epicenter Science Basics: In the Pacific Ocean 83% of tsunamis are generated by earthquakes. Scientists consider three important factors when determining the likelihood of an earthquake to generate a tsunami. First, they determine whether the earthquake had a magnitude greater than 7.0. Second, they consider the total area of sea floor disturbance and third, they determine the degree of vertical displacement caused by the earthquake. Earthquakes can generate tsunamis when they cause a sudden uplift in the sea floor, or change the shape of the sea floor by prompting landslides. Alaska is at particularly high risk of tsunamis due to its close proximity to the seismically active Alaska-Aleutian megathrust zone. In this subduction zone, the Pacific plate is sliding under the North American plate, giving Alaska more potential to experience earthquakes and tsunamis than any other state. Tsunamis generated by earthquakes in this zone can reach Alaskan coastal communities within minutes of the quake. ATEP 2008 UAF Geophysical Institute B-5 Unit 3: Locating the Epicenter

2 Earthquakes occur below Earth s surface. The point under Earth s surface where an earthquake begins is known as the focus. The place on the surface of Earth directly above where the earthquake started is known as the epicenter of the earthquake. Scientists can locate the epicenter of an earthquake by finding the distance between the epicenter and at least three seismometers that recorded the event. Rapid identification of earthquake epicenters helps inform people responsible for responding to hazards. Activity Procedure: 1. Darken the room and use a multimedia projector to show the multimedia file Generation of Tsunami by Subduction Zone Earthquake on the ATEP Website: 2. Guide students to perform the critical thinking activity described below. 3. Explain that scientists consider three important factors when determining the likelihood of an earthquake to generate a tsunami. First, they determine whether the earthquake had a magnitude greater than 7.0. Magnitude describes the amount of shaking and energy released during a quake. On average, one earthquake of magnitude 7 to 8 occurs each year in Alaska. Second, they consider the total area of sea floor that was disturbed by the quake. This can be determined by examining the locations of earthquake aftershocks, which follow the initial quake. Third, scientists determine the degree of vertical displacement caused by the earthquake. In other words, how far the sea floor rose or fell as a result of the quake. When an earthquake occurs it sends waves through Earth. These waves are recorded by seismometers. A seismometer is a device for measuring ground movement. Scientists can use information recorded by seismometers to find the epicenter of an earthquake. The epicenter is the place on Earth s surface directly above where the earthquake started. Rapid identification of an earthquake s epicenter helps inform people responsible for responding to hazards by providing clues as to which communities might be in danger of an earthquake-generated tsunami due to sea floor uplift or landslide. 4. Explain students are going to play the role of scientists studying a tsunami-generating earthquake. Distribute a drawing compass and : Locating the Epicenter, to each student. Ask students to read and discuss the testable question and background information. Ask students to complete the hypothesis portion of the worksheet before using their compass. Review the procedure with students and demonstrate how to set the radius of the compass by adjusting the distance between the pencil and the pointer. Critical Thinking: Collaborative Story Telling Method: Watch the animation Generation of Tsunami by Subduction Zone Earthquake. Divide students into teams of three or four. Ask each student to write a sentence to describe the first event: the generation of an earthquake-triggered tsunami. Next, ask students to pass their sheets to a group member to the right, so that each student has a new sheet of paper. Each student must write a second sentence on the sheet describing the next event in the story. In the end, a complete retelling of how earthquakes generate tsunamis will exist on each sheet of paper. 5. Ask students to complete the : Locating the Epicenter. Discuss student conclusions. ATEP 2008 UAF Geophysical Institute B-6 Unit 3: Locating the Epicenter

3 Answers: Hypothesis: Answers will vary. Data: See map below. Analysis of Data: 1. The circles meet in Prince William Sound. 2. Answers will vary. Students should get identical results, but may vary due to individual error. Conclusion: The epicenter of the1964 Great Alaska Earthquake was in Prince William Sound (Lat 61.04N, Lon W).Remaining answers will vary. Further Questions: 1. C. The place on Earth s surface directly above where the earthquake started. 2. The epicenter could not have been determined with information from only two seismometers. This would have narrowed down the epicenter to two possible locations. A third seismometer is needed to determine which of the two locations is the epicenter. 3. No, not all earthquakes generate tsunamis. Explanations will vary but should indicate that an earthquake with an epicenter far from the ocean is unlikely to generate a tsunami. Also, a quake with an epicenter on the sea floor, that does not cause a change in elevation of the sea floor, is less likely to generate a tsunami than one that does cause a change in elevation. Scientists consider quake magnitude, total area of sea floor disturbance, and degree of vertical displacement when determining the likelihood of an earthquake to generate a tsunami. 4. Yes, any three seismic stations that recorded the 1964 earthquake could be used to find the epicenter of the quake, and will indicate the same location for the epicenter. The circles drawn around the seismic stations would center over different locations, but the point at which all three circles intersect would be the same. ATEP 2008 UAF Geophysical Institute B-7 Unit 3: Locating the Epicenter

4 Locating the Epicenter (page 1 of 5) Testable Question: Where was the epicenter of the 1964 Great Alaska Earthquake? Background Information: When an earthquake occurs it sends a disturbance through Earth. These waves are recorded by seismometers. A seismometer is a device for measuring ground movement. Scientists can use information recorded by seismometers to find the epicenter of an earthquake. The epicenter is the place on Earth s surface directly above where the earthquake started. To locate an epicenter, scientists need three seismometers to record the earthquake, and they must determine the distance between the epicenter and each seismometer. An earthquake can cause an uplift of a section of Earth s crust. If this uplift occurs on the sea floor, it displaces the water above it, generating a tsunami. Earthquakes also can cause landslides that change the shape of the sea floor and generate tsunamis. The 1964 Great Alaska Earthquake generated tsunami waves that devastated several coastal Alaska towns and villages. Hypothesis: On the map below, mark an X where you think the epicenter of the Great Alaska Earthquake of 1964 was located. Use the background information and your previous knowledge of the 1964 quake to guide your hypothesis. ATEP 2008 UAF Geophysical Institute B-8 Unit 3: Locating the Epicenter

5 Locating the Epicenter (page 2 of 5) Materials: Drawing compass Procedure: 1. Assemble the two parts of the map (on the following pages of this worksheet) by folding one side of the map on the dashed line, then taping the two pieces together so that the dotted lines overlap. 2. Use the scale on the map to set the radius of your compass. Match the distance from the Sitka seismometer station to the epicenter. This distance is provided in the data chart below. 3. After you set the radius of your compass, put the compass pointer on the dot that shows the location of the Sitka seismometer. Draw a circle around the Sitka seismometer. The epicenter of the earthquake will be somewhere along this circle. 4. Repeat steps 1 and 2 for the other two seismometer stations. 5. When you finish, three circles should be drawn on your map, one around each seismometer station. The point at which these three circles meet is the epicenter of the earthquake. Data: Data Chart: Seismometer Station Sitka, Alaska College Outpost, Alaska Copper Mine, Canada Distance to Epicenter 830 km 430 km 1714 km ATEP 2008 UAF Geophysical Institute B-9 Unit 3: Locating the Epicenter

6 Locating the Epicenter (page 3 of 5) kilometers (km) ATEP 2008 UAF Geophysical Institute B-10 Unit 3: Locating the Epicenter

7 Locating the Epicenter (page 4 of 5) ATEP 2008 UAF Geophysical Institute B-11 Unit 3: Locating the Epicenter

8 Locating the Epicenter (page 5 of 5) Analysis of Data: 1. Where do the three circles you drew on the map meet? 2. Share your data with others in your class. Did everyone get the same results? Why or why not? Conclusion: Where was the epicenter of the 1964 Great Alaska Earthquake? Was your hypothesis supported? Explain your answer using complete sentences. Further Questions: 1. What is the epicenter of an earthquake? A. The location of the seismometer to first record the earthquake. B. The place deep in Earth s crust where the earthquake began. C. The place on Earth s surface directly above where the earthquake started. 2. Could you have determined the location of the 1964 earthquake epicenter with information from two seismometer stations instead of three? Explain your answer. 3. Do all earthquakes generate tsunamis? How do you know? 4. If you were to use data from three other seismic stations that recorded the 1964 earthquake, would you identify the same epicenter? Explain your answer using complete sentences. ATEP 2008 UAF Geophysical Institute B-12 Unit 3: Locating the Epicenter

EARTHQUAKES. Compressional Tensional Slip-strike

EARTHQUAKES. Compressional Tensional Slip-strike Earthquakes-page 1 EARTHQUAKES Earthquakes occur along faults, planes of weakness in the crustal rocks. Although earthquakes can occur anywhere, they are most likely along crustal plate boundaries, such

More information

DYNAMIC CRUST: Unit 4 Exam Plate Tectonics and Earthquakes

DYNAMIC CRUST: Unit 4 Exam Plate Tectonics and Earthquakes DYNAMIC CRUST: Unit 4 Exam Plate Tectonics and Earthquakes NAME: BLOCK: DATE: 1. Base your answer to the following question on The block diagram below shows the boundary between two tectonic plates. Which

More information

SIXTH GRADE PLATE TECTONICS 1 WEEK LESSON PLANS AND ACTIVITIES

SIXTH GRADE PLATE TECTONICS 1 WEEK LESSON PLANS AND ACTIVITIES SIXTH GRADE PLATE TECTONICS 1 WEEK LESSON PLANS AND ACTIVITIES PLATE TECTONIC CYCLE OVERVIEW OF SIXTH GRADE VOLCANOES WEEK 1. PRE: Comparing the structure of different types of volcanoes. LAB: Plotting

More information

Georgia Performance Standards Framework for Shaky Ground 6 th Grade

Georgia Performance Standards Framework for Shaky Ground 6 th Grade The following instructional plan is part of a GaDOE collection of Unit Frameworks, Performance Tasks, examples of Student Work, and Teacher Commentary. Many more GaDOE approved instructional plans are

More information

The Dynamic Crust 2) EVIDENCE FOR CRUSTAL MOVEMENT

The Dynamic Crust 2) EVIDENCE FOR CRUSTAL MOVEMENT The Dynamic Crust 1) Virtually everything you need to know about the interior of the earth can be found on page 10 of your reference tables. Take the time to become familiar with page 10 and everything

More information

HAZARD MAPPING, RISK ASSESSMENT, AND INSURANCE COVERAGE OF NATURAL CATASTROPHE RISK

HAZARD MAPPING, RISK ASSESSMENT, AND INSURANCE COVERAGE OF NATURAL CATASTROPHE RISK SESSION III HAZARD MAPPING, RISK ASSESSMENT, AND INSURANCE COVERAGE OF NATURAL CATASTROPHE RISK Mr. Sumarjono Insurance Bureau of The Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Indonesia Geological Position

More information

Regents Questions: Plate Tectonics

Regents Questions: Plate Tectonics Earth Science Regents Questions: Plate Tectonics Name: Date: Period: August 2013 Due Date: 17 Compared to the oceanic crust, the continental crust is (1) less dense and more basaltic (3) more dense and

More information

Earthquakes. Earthquakes: Big Ideas. Earthquakes

Earthquakes. Earthquakes: Big Ideas. Earthquakes Earthquakes Earthquakes: Big Ideas Humans cannot eliminate natural hazards but can engage in activities that reduce their impacts by identifying high-risk locations, improving construction methods, and

More information

11A Plate Tectonics. What is plate tectonics? Setting up. Materials

11A Plate Tectonics. What is plate tectonics? Setting up. Materials 11A Plate Tectonics What is plate tectonics? Earth s crust plus the upper mantle forms the lithosphere. Earth s lithosphere is broken in a number of different pieces. How these pieces move and interact

More information

Interactive Plate Tectonics

Interactive Plate Tectonics Interactive Plate Tectonics Directions: Go to the following website and complete the questions below. http://www.learner.org/interactives/dynamicearth/index.html How do scientists learn about the interior

More information

Some Processes that Change the Earth s Surface

Some Processes that Change the Earth s Surface PART ONE Some Processes that Change the Earth s Surface Science standards To prepare students to understand the Essential Academic Learning Requirements (EALRs) introduced at middle school, this series

More information

Lecture 12 Earthquake Magnitude

Lecture 12 Earthquake Magnitude Lecture 12 Earthquake Magnitude Locating Earthquakes Last time, we learned that we could obtain a rough estimate of the distance in miles to an earthquake epicenter by multiplying the S - P time interval

More information

Rate of Plate Movement

Rate of Plate Movement Teacher Instructions Overview: Hawaiÿi volcanoes are born when magma rises from a hotspot through the Pacific Plate and is erupted as lava onto the ocean floor. A chain of volcanoes is formed as the Pacific

More information

Ride the Rock Cycle. Suggested Goals: Students will gain an understanding of how a rock can move through the different stages of the rock cycle.

Ride the Rock Cycle. Suggested Goals: Students will gain an understanding of how a rock can move through the different stages of the rock cycle. Illinois State Museum Geology Online http://geologyonline.museum.state.il.us Ride the Rock Cycle Grade Level: 5 6 Purpose: To teach students that the rock cycle, like the water cycle, has various stages

More information

Glossary. continental crust: the sections of crust, the outermost layer of the earth, that include the continents

Glossary. continental crust: the sections of crust, the outermost layer of the earth, that include the continents aftershock: an earthquake that follows a larger earthquake or main shock and originates in or near the rupture zone of the larger earthquake. Generally, major earthquakes are followed by a number of aftershocks

More information

Plate Tectonics: Ridges, Transform Faults and Subduction Zones

Plate Tectonics: Ridges, Transform Faults and Subduction Zones Plate Tectonics: Ridges, Transform Faults and Subduction Zones Goals of this exercise: 1. review the major physiographic features of the ocean basins 2. investigate the creation of oceanic crust at mid-ocean

More information

Name Date Class. By studying the Vocabulary and Notes listed for each section below, you can gain a better understanding of this chapter.

Name Date Class. By studying the Vocabulary and Notes listed for each section below, you can gain a better understanding of this chapter. CHAPTER 7 VOCABULARY & NOTES WORKSHEET Earthquakes By studying the Vocabulary and Notes listed for each section below, you can gain a better understanding of this chapter. SECTION 1 Vocabulary In your

More information

Activity #1-HS What is a Seismometer? High School Level

Activity #1-HS What is a Seismometer? High School Level Activity #1-HS What is a Seismometer? High School Level Objective Students will learn that a seismometer detects 3 components of motion and that a seismogram is the record of an earthquake. Background

More information

KINDERGARTEN PLATE TECTONICS 1 WEEK LESSON PLANS AND ACTIVITIES

KINDERGARTEN PLATE TECTONICS 1 WEEK LESSON PLANS AND ACTIVITIES KINDERGARTEN PLATE TECTONICS 1 WEEK LESSON PLANS AND ACTIVITIES PLATE TECTONIC CYCLE OVERVIEW OF KINDERGARTEN VOLCANOES WEEK 1. PRE: Learning that all mountains are not volcanoes. LAB: Investigating rocks

More information

TECTONICS ASSESSMENT

TECTONICS ASSESSMENT Tectonics Assessment / 1 TECTONICS ASSESSMENT 1. Movement along plate boundaries produces A. tides. B. fronts. C. hurricanes. D. earthquakes. 2. Which of the following is TRUE about the movement of continents?

More information

Inside Earth Chapter 3

Inside Earth Chapter 3 Name Hour Due Date Inside Earth Chapter Page 1 Volcanoes and Plate Tectonics Page 2 Volcanic Activity Page - Mapping Earthquakes and Volcanoes Page 4 Mapping Earthquakes and Volcanoes table Page 5 - Mapping

More information

Chapter 7 Earthquake Hazards Practice Exam and Study Guide

Chapter 7 Earthquake Hazards Practice Exam and Study Guide Chapter 7 Earthquake Hazards Practice Exam and Study Guide 1. Select from the following list, all of the factors that affect the intensity of ground shaking. a. The magnitude of the earthquake b. Rather

More information

FOURTH GRADE EARTHQUAKES 1 WEEK LESSON PLANS AND ACTIVITIES

FOURTH GRADE EARTHQUAKES 1 WEEK LESSON PLANS AND ACTIVITIES FOURTH GRADE EARTHQUAKES 1 WEEK LESSON PLANS AND ACTIVITIES PLATE TECTONIC CYCLE OVERVIEW OF FOURTH GRADE VOLCANOES WEEK 1. PRE: Comparing different structures of volcanoes. DURING: Modeling three types

More information

How do scientists measure earthquakes?

How do scientists measure earthquakes? Name: Source: http://www.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=4892 http://gizmodo.com/5833688/what-do-earthquake-magnitudes-mean http://www.kids-fun-science.com/moment-magnitude-scale.html http://tremor.nmt.edu/faq/how.html

More information

Investigation 6: What happens when plates collide?

Investigation 6: What happens when plates collide? Tectonics Investigation 6: Teacher Guide Investigation 6: What happens when plates collide? In this activity, students will use the distribution of earthquakes and volcanoes in a Web GIS to learn about

More information

Exploring Our World with GIS Lesson Plans Engage

Exploring Our World with GIS Lesson Plans Engage Exploring Our World with GIS Lesson Plans Engage Title: Exploring Our Nation 20 minutes *Have students complete group work prior to going to the computer lab. 2.List of themes 3. Computer lab 4. Student

More information

Magnitude 8.8 OFFSHORE MAULE, CHILE

Magnitude 8.8 OFFSHORE MAULE, CHILE A great 8.8-magnitude struck central Chile early Saturday. The quake hit 200 miles (325 kilometers) southwest of the capital Santiago. The epicenter was just 70 miles (115 kilometers) from Concepcion,

More information

EARTH SCIENCE ACTIVITY #1 Tsunami in a Bottle

EARTH SCIENCE ACTIVITY #1 Tsunami in a Bottle EARTH SCIENCE ACTIVITY #1 Tsunami in a Bottle Grades 3 and Up This activity is one of several in a basic curriculum designed to increase student knowledge about earthquake science and preparedness. The

More information

Chapter 5: Earthquakes

Chapter 5: Earthquakes Chapter 5: Earthquakes 1. Experiencing an Earthquake firsthand 2. The Science of Ghost Forests and Megaearthquakes 3. Faults, Earthquakes, and Plate Tectonics 4. Seismic Waves and Earthquake Detection

More information

Rapid Changes in Earth s Surface

Rapid Changes in Earth s Surface TEKS investigate rapid changes in Earth s surface such as volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and landslides Rapid Changes in Earth s Surface Constant Changes Earth s surface is constantly changing. Wind,

More information

Seismic Waves Practice

Seismic Waves Practice 1. Base your answer to the following question on the diagram below, which shows models of two types of earthquake waves. Model A best represents the motion of earthquake waves called 1) P-waves (compressional

More information

Name: Date: Class: Finding Epicenters and Measuring Magnitudes Worksheet

Name: Date: Class: Finding Epicenters and Measuring Magnitudes Worksheet Example Answers Name: Date: Class: Finding Epicenters and Measuring Magnitudes Worksheet Objective: To use seismic data and an interactive simulation to triangulate the location and measure the magnitude

More information

Georgia Performance Standards Framework for Science Grade 6. Unit Organizer: Geology: Inside the Earth (Approximate Time: 7 Weeks)

Georgia Performance Standards Framework for Science Grade 6. Unit Organizer: Geology: Inside the Earth (Approximate Time: 7 Weeks) The following instructional plan is part of a GaDOE collection of Unit Frameworks, Performance Tasks, examples of Student Work, and Teacher Commentary. Many more GaDOE approved instructional plans are

More information

Tsunami Practice Questions and Answers Revised November 2008

Tsunami Practice Questions and Answers Revised November 2008 Tsunami Practice Questions and Answers Revised November 2008 1. What happened on 26 December 2004 off the west coast of Sumatra? 2. What is the final estimate of the magnitude of the Sumatra 26 December

More information

FIFTH GRADE PLATE TECTONICS 1 WEEK LESSON PLANS AND ACTIVITIES

FIFTH GRADE PLATE TECTONICS 1 WEEK LESSON PLANS AND ACTIVITIES FIFTH GRADE PLATE TECTONICS 1 WEEK LESSON PLANS AND ACTIVITIES PLATE TECTONIC CYCLE OVERVIEW OF FIFTH GRADE VOLCANOES WEEK 1. PRE: Exploring the rocks produced by volcanoes. LAB: Comparing igneous rocks.

More information

Seismographs. Lesson 7. Seismographs recording activity on Kilauea

Seismographs. Lesson 7. Seismographs recording activity on Kilauea Seismographs Lesson 7 E arthquakes generate seismic waves that travel all around the world and can be detected by sensitive instruments called seismographs. The earliest instrument to detect earthquakes

More information

How Did These Ocean Features and Continental Margins Form?

How Did These Ocean Features and Continental Margins Form? 298 10.14 INVESTIGATION How Did These Ocean Features and Continental Margins Form? The terrain below contains various features on the seafloor, as well as parts of three continents. Some general observations

More information

Unit 4 Lesson 6 Measuring Earthquake Waves. Copyright Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company

Unit 4 Lesson 6 Measuring Earthquake Waves. Copyright Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company Shake, Rattle, and Roll What happens during an earthquake? As plates of the lithosphere move, the stress on rocks at or near the edges of the plates increases. This stress causes faults to form. A fault

More information

Locating the Epicenter and Determining the Magnitude of an Earthquake

Locating the Epicenter and Determining the Magnitude of an Earthquake Locating the and Determining the Magnitude of an Earthquake Locating the Measuring the S-P time interval There are hundreds of seismic data recording stations throughout the United States and the rest

More information

Earthquake Hazards and Risks

Earthquake Hazards and Risks Page 1 of 7 EENS 3050 Tulane University Natural Disasters Prof. Stephen A. Nelson Earthquake Hazards and Risks This page last updated on 28-Aug-2013 Earthquake Risk Many seismologists have said that "earthquakes

More information

SECOND GRADE PLATE TECTONICS 1 WEEK LESSON PLANS AND ACTIVITIES

SECOND GRADE PLATE TECTONICS 1 WEEK LESSON PLANS AND ACTIVITIES SECOND GRADE PLATE TECTONICS 1 WEEK LESSON PLANS AND ACTIVITIES PLATE TECTONIC CYCLE OVERVIEW OF SECOND GRADE VOLCANOES WEEK 1. PRE: Investigating the parts of a volcano. LAB: Comparing the parts of a

More information

When Things Go Wrong

When Things Go Wrong When Things Go Wrong When Things Go Wrong Our planet has many wondrous things. We plant a tiny sapling and it becomes a mighty tree. Water runs in rivers. Rainbows appear in the sky. But it is not always

More information

FOURTH GRADE PLATE TECTONICS 1 WEEK LESSON PLANS AND ACTIVITIES

FOURTH GRADE PLATE TECTONICS 1 WEEK LESSON PLANS AND ACTIVITIES FOURTH GRADE PLATE TECTONICS 1 WEEK LESSON PLANS AND ACTIVITIES PLATE TECTONIC CYCLE OVERVIEW OF FOURTH GRADE VOLCANOES WEEK 1. PRE: Comparing different structures of volcanoes. LAB: Modeling three types

More information

II. Earth Science (Geology) Section (9/18/2013)

II. Earth Science (Geology) Section (9/18/2013) EAPS 100 Planet Earth Lecture Topics Brief Outlines II. Earth Science (Geology) Section (9/18/2013) 1. Interior of the Earth Learning objectives: Understand the structure of the Earth s interior crust,

More information

Essential Question: How did the theory of Plate Tectonics evolve?

Essential Question: How did the theory of Plate Tectonics evolve? Essential Question: How did the theory of Plate Tectonics evolve? 1. Look at a globe or a map of the Earth. Name the continents. (7 points) 2. How many continents are there? (3 points) 3. On a sheet of

More information

Ring of Fire. (15 minutes) Earthquakes and volcanoes occur in relationship to each other.

Ring of Fire. (15 minutes) Earthquakes and volcanoes occur in relationship to each other. Ring of Fire Lesson Concept Link Earthquakes and volcanoes occur in relationship to each other. Lesson 6.12 develops concepts about preparation for earthquakes in terms of home or school damage or lack

More information

Chapter 8: Plate Tectonics -- Multi-format Test

Chapter 8: Plate Tectonics -- Multi-format Test Name: Class: Date: ID: A Chapter 8: Plate Tectonics -- Multi-format Test Modified True/False Indicate whether the statement is true or false. If false, change the identified word or phrase to make the

More information

Where in the World Are All the Earthquakes?

Where in the World Are All the Earthquakes? Curry School of Education, University of Virginia www.teacherlink.org/content/science/ Where in the World Are All the Earthquakes? In this activity, students go to the United States Geological Survey (USGS)

More information

THE 2004 SUMATRA EARTHQUAKE AND INDIAN OCEAN TSUNAMI: WHAT HAPPENED AND WHY

THE 2004 SUMATRA EARTHQUAKE AND INDIAN OCEAN TSUNAMI: WHAT HAPPENED AND WHY Page 6 The Earth Scientist THE 2004 SUMATRA EARTHQUAKE AND INDIAN OCEAN TSUNAMI: WHAT HAPPENED AND WHY Seth Stein and Emile A. Okal Dept of Geological Sciences, Northwestern University, Evanston Illinois

More information

Volcanoes Erupt Grade 6

Volcanoes Erupt Grade 6 TEACHING LEARNING COLLABORATIVE (TLC) EARTH SCIENCE Volcanoes Erupt Grade 6 Created by: Debra McKey (Mountain Vista Middle School); Valerie Duncan (Upper Lake Middle School); and Lynn Chick (Coyote Valley

More information

Georgia Performance Standards Framework for Natural Disasters 6 th Grade

Georgia Performance Standards Framework for Natural Disasters 6 th Grade The following instructional plan is part of a GaDOE collection of Unit Frameworks, Performance Tasks, examples of Student Work, and Teacher Commentary. Many more GaDOE approved instructional plans are

More information

Earth Egg Model Teacher Notes

Earth Egg Model Teacher Notes Ancient Greeks tried to explain earthquakes and volcanic activity by saying that a massive bull lay underground and the land shook when it became angry. Modern theories rely on an understanding of what

More information

BASIC LESSON Objective(s)

BASIC LESSON Objective(s) [Geology - Landforms] [K-1: Basic] [Grades 2-3: Advanced] BACKGROUND Landforms are natural features of the Earth's surface. They are created by the movement of ice or water, earthquakes, lava flows, volcanoes,

More information

Geology 112 Earthquakes. Activity 1 Worksheet Introduction to the Course. What is a Fault? What is an Earthquake?

Geology 112 Earthquakes. Activity 1 Worksheet Introduction to the Course. What is a Fault? What is an Earthquake? Geology 112 Earthquakes Name Activity 1 Worksheet Introduction to the Course. What is a Fault? What is an Earthquake? Activity 1 Objectives: Introduce student to the topics, requirements and format of

More information

Unit 6 Earthquakes and Volcanoes

Unit 6 Earthquakes and Volcanoes Unit 6 Earthquakes and Volcanoes Earthquakes and Volcanoes: Essential Questions What evidence can students observe that the Earth is changing? How do scientists know what s inside the Earth? What processes

More information

Plate Tectonics Web-Quest

Plate Tectonics Web-Quest Plate Tectonics Web-Quest Part I: Earth s Structure. Use the following link to find these answers: http://www.learner.org/interactives/dynamicearth/structure.html 1. Label the layers of Earth in the diagram

More information

Magnitude 7.2 GUERRERO, MEXICO

Magnitude 7.2 GUERRERO, MEXICO A powerful magnitude-7.2 earthquake shook central and southern Mexico on Friday. The earthquake occurred at a depth of 24 km (15 miles). Its epicenter was in the western state of Guerrero, near the seaside

More information

February 28 Earthquake: We got off easy

February 28 Earthquake: We got off easy February 28 Earthquake: We got off easy State Geologist John Beaulieu Lucky may not be the first word that comes to mind after an earthquake that injured more than 200 and caused more than $1 billion damage,

More information

Plate Tectonics Chapter 2

Plate Tectonics Chapter 2 Plate Tectonics Chapter 2 Does not include complete lecture notes. Continental drift: An idea before its time Alfred Wegener First proposed his continental drift hypothesis in 1915 Published The Origin

More information

Earthquakes: Interesting Facts and F.A.Q.

Earthquakes: Interesting Facts and F.A.Q. Earthquakes: Interesting Facts and F.A.Q. Earthquakes kill approximately 8,000 people each year and have caused an estimated 13 million deaths in the past 4,000 years. The moment magnitude scale (MMS)

More information

Transform Boundaries

Transform Boundaries Lecture 7 Plates and Mantle Plumes Transform Boundaries Transform boundaries occur where one segment of rigid lithosphere slides horizontally past another in response to stresses in the lithosphere. The

More information

EARTHQUAKE PREDICTION

EARTHQUAKE PREDICTION Lecture 15 Earthquake Prediction EARTHQUAKE PREDICTION To successfully predict an earthquake we would like to know:- PLACE TIME MAGNITUDE (rather like a weather forecast) 1 Evidence must be integrated

More information

Plotting Earthquake Epicenters an activity for seismic discovery

Plotting Earthquake Epicenters an activity for seismic discovery Plotting Earthquake Epicenters an activity for seismic discovery Tammy K Bravo Anne M Ortiz Plotting Activity adapted from: Larry Braile and Sheryl Braile Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences Purdue

More information

Presentations. Session 1. Slide 1. Earthquake Risk Reduction. 1- Concepts & Terminology

Presentations. Session 1. Slide 1. Earthquake Risk Reduction. 1- Concepts & Terminology Earthquake Risk Reduction Presentations Session 1 Slide 1 Earthquake Risk Reduction 1- Concepts & Terminology Welcome to the World Bank Institute s (WBI) Distance Learning (DL) course on Earthquake Risk

More information

4. Plate Tectonics II (p. 46-67)

4. Plate Tectonics II (p. 46-67) 4. Plate Tectonics II (p. 46-67) Seafloor Spreading In the early 1960s, samples of basaltic ocean crust were dredged up from various locations across the ocean basins. The samples were then analyzed to

More information

1. The diagram below shows a cross section of sedimentary rock layers.

1. The diagram below shows a cross section of sedimentary rock layers. 1. The diagram below shows a cross section of sedimentary rock layers. Which statement about the deposition of the sediments best explains why these layers have the curved shape shown? 1) Sediments were

More information

1. You are about to begin a unit on geology. Can anyone tell me what geology is? The study of the physical earth I.

1. You are about to begin a unit on geology. Can anyone tell me what geology is? The study of the physical earth I. PLATE TECTONICS ACTIVITY The purpose of this lab is to introduce the concept of plate tectonics and the formation of mountains. Students will discuss the properties of the earth s crust and plate tectonics.

More information

A Collection of Curricula for the STARLAB Plate Tectonics Cylinder

A Collection of Curricula for the STARLAB Plate Tectonics Cylinder A Collection of Curricula for the STARLAB Plate Tectonics Cylinder Including: The Changing Earth by Gerald L. Mallon, Ed.D. v. 616-2008 by Science First /STARLAB, 86475 Gene Lasserre Blvd., Yulee, FL.

More information

Plate tectonics states that the Earth's crust and upper mantle are broken into sections, called plates.

Plate tectonics states that the Earth's crust and upper mantle are broken into sections, called plates. Notes on Plate Tectonics Plate tectonics states that the Earth's crust and upper mantle are broken into sections, called plates. These plates move around the mantle. Plates are composed of the crust and

More information

Using Google Earth to Explore Plate Tectonics

Using Google Earth to Explore Plate Tectonics Using Google Earth to Explore Plate Tectonics Laurel Goodell, Department of Geosciences, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544 laurel@princeton.edu Inspired by, and borrows from, the GIS-based Exploring

More information

EL Civics Objective 16 (Emergencies) Level: Beginning Low & Beginning High Task #1: Identify Emergencies & Disasters

EL Civics Objective 16 (Emergencies) Level: Beginning Low & Beginning High Task #1: Identify Emergencies & Disasters EL Civics Objective 16 (Emergencies) Level: Beginning Low & Beginning High Task #1: Identify Emergencies & Disasters Language & Literacy Objectives: 1. Identify what constitutes an emergency or disaster,

More information

Tectonic plates push together at convergent boundaries.

Tectonic plates push together at convergent boundaries. KEY CONCEPT Plates converge or scrape past each other. BEFORE, you learned Plates move apart at divergent boundaries In the oceans, divergent boundaries mark where the sea floor spreads apart On land,

More information

Crossing the Pacific Bathymetry

Crossing the Pacific Bathymetry Crossing the Pacific Bathymetry Summary What is really under the salt water in our worldwide oceans? This four-part activity will guide students to explore, investigate, and analyze our mysterious ocean

More information

Lesson 1.1: Earth and Space Science - Introduction

Lesson 1.1: Earth and Space Science - Introduction Weekly Focus: Main Idea Weekly Skill: Introduction Lesson Summary: This week students will take a pre- self-evaluation to determine their background knowledge in Earth and space science. They will also

More information

Earth Science Grade 4 Minerals

Earth Science Grade 4 Minerals Earth Science Grade 4 Minerals Standards: Identifies the physical properties of minerals Teacher Background Minerals are pure substances and mix together to make rocks. Rocks have a cycle and different

More information

Plate Tectonics Visual Glossary and Atlas How to use this app in your classroom

Plate Tectonics Visual Glossary and Atlas How to use this app in your classroom Plate Tectonics Visual Glossary and Atlas How to use this app in your classroom In addition to providing a comprehensive list of terms, definitions, illustrations, and animations related to plate tectonics,

More information

Where do they come from?

Where do they come from? Exploring Meteorite Mysteries Lesson 2 Follow the Falling Meteorite Objectives Students will: apply geometric properties and relationships to meteorite hunting. demonstrate and experience the way remote

More information

Suggested Activities Processes that Shape the Earth: Earth s Structure and Plate Tectonics

Suggested Activities Processes that Shape the Earth: Earth s Structure and Plate Tectonics Suggested Activities Processes that Shape the Earth: Earth s Structure and Plate Tectonics From Harcourt Science Teacher Ed. Source (Grade Level) Title Pages Concept Harcourt Science (4) The Layers of

More information

Chapter Overview. Bathymetry. Measuring Bathymetry. Echo Sounding Record. Measuring Bathymetry. CHAPTER 3 Marine Provinces

Chapter Overview. Bathymetry. Measuring Bathymetry. Echo Sounding Record. Measuring Bathymetry. CHAPTER 3 Marine Provinces Chapter Overview CHAPTER 3 Marine Provinces The study of bathymetry charts ocean depths and ocean floor topography. Echo sounding and satellites are efficient bathymetric tools. Most ocean floor features

More information

ES Chapter 10 Review. Name: Class: Date: Multiple Choice Identify the choice that best completes the statement or answers the question.

ES Chapter 10 Review. Name: Class: Date: Multiple Choice Identify the choice that best completes the statement or answers the question. Name: Class: Date: ES Chapter 10 Review Multiple Choice Identify the choice that best completes the statement or answers the question. 1. Scientists used the pattern of alternating normal and reversed

More information

Assessment of Impact of the December 26, 2004 Tsunami In Aceh Province Indonesia

Assessment of Impact of the December 26, 2004 Tsunami In Aceh Province Indonesia Assessment of Impact of the December 26, 2004 Tsunami In Aceh Province Indonesia Jay H. Samek, David L. Skole, and Walter Chomentowski December 30, 2004 Center for Global Change and Earth Observations

More information

6.E.2.2 Plate Tectonics, Earthquakes and Volcanoes

6.E.2.2 Plate Tectonics, Earthquakes and Volcanoes Name: Date: 1. The road shown below was suddenly broken by a natural event. 3. The convergence of two continental plates would produce Which natural event most likely caused the crack in the road? island

More information

Unit: Restless Earth Lesson: Earth s Interior

Unit: Restless Earth Lesson: Earth s Interior Melissa Duran, Hoover Middle School, San Jose, CA 1/9/03 Bay Area Science Museum Collaboratory Project Unit: Restless Earth Lesson: Earth s Interior Introduction Standards: 1.b, 7.e Objectives Students

More information

Earthquakes and Plate Boundaries Deborah Jordan and Samuel Spiegel

Earthquakes and Plate Boundaries Deborah Jordan and Samuel Spiegel Earthquakes and Plate Boundaries Deborah Jordan and Samuel Spiegel Jordan, Deborah and Spiegel, Samuel: Learning Research Development Center, University of Pittsburgh. Earthquakes and Plate Boundaries.

More information

PACIFIC TSUNAMI: CONTINUING RESEARCH AND FORMATION OF A MUSEUM EXHIBIT

PACIFIC TSUNAMI: CONTINUING RESEARCH AND FORMATION OF A MUSEUM EXHIBIT PACIFIC TSUNAMI: CONTINUING RESEARCH AND FORMATION OF A MUSEUM EXHIBIT Melissa Ann Meiner Geology/Marine Science Department University of Hawai i at Hilo Hilo, HI 96720 ABSTRACT The Sumatran tsunami was

More information

What Causes Climate? Use Target Reading Skills

What Causes Climate? Use Target Reading Skills Climate and Climate Change Name Date Class Climate and Climate Change Guided Reading and Study What Causes Climate? This section describes factors that determine climate, or the average weather conditions

More information

Students explore the mechanism behind plate motion as they investigate convection currents. KEY CONCEPTS AND PROCESS SKILLS

Students explore the mechanism behind plate motion as they investigate convection currents. KEY CONCEPTS AND PROCESS SKILLS Convection Currents 40- to 1 50-minute session ACTIVITY OVERVIEW 46 L A B O R AT O R Y Students explore the mechanism behind plate motion as they investigate convection currents. KEY CONCEPTS AND PROCESS

More information

Hot Spots & Plate Tectonics

Hot Spots & Plate Tectonics Hot Spots & Plate Tectonics Activity I: Hawaiian Islands Procedures: Use the map and the following information to determine the rate of motion of the Pacific Plate over the Hawaiian hot spot. The volcano

More information

Modified Richter Scale

Modified Richter Scale Name Date ID Grade 7 - Science Interim Assessment Third Grading Period 1. Which of the following is NOT affected by the tilt of Earth's axis? Length of day Type of climate Change of seasons Length of year

More information

FIRST GRADE PLATE TECTONICS 1 WEEK LESSON PLANS AND ACTIVITIES

FIRST GRADE PLATE TECTONICS 1 WEEK LESSON PLANS AND ACTIVITIES FIRST GRADE PLATE TECTONICS 1 WEEK LESSON PLANS AND ACTIVITIES PLATE TECTONIC CYCLE OVERVIEW OF FIRST GRADE VOLCANOES WEEK 1. PRE: Learning the shapes of volcanoes. LAB: Experimenting with "lava." POST:

More information

[Geology Layers of the Earth] [Basic: Grade 2-3] [Advanced: Grade 5: Introduction to Plate Tectonics}

[Geology Layers of the Earth] [Basic: Grade 2-3] [Advanced: Grade 5: Introduction to Plate Tectonics} [Geology Layers of the Earth] [Basic: Grade 2-3] [Advanced: Grade 5: Introduction to Plate Tectonics} BACKGROUND Scientists and geologists have been able to do some drilling on Earth. They are also able

More information

Student Exploration: Plate Tectonics

Student Exploration: Plate Tectonics Name: Date: Student Exploration: Plate Tectonics Vocabulary: collisional boundary, convergent boundary, crust, divergent boundary, earthquake, lithosphere, mantle, plate, plate tectonics, transform boundary,

More information

Plate Tectonics: Big Ideas. Plate Tectonics. Plate Tectonics. The unifying concept of the Earth sciences.

Plate Tectonics: Big Ideas. Plate Tectonics. Plate Tectonics. The unifying concept of the Earth sciences. Plate Tectonics: Big Ideas Our understanding of Earth is continuously refined. Earth s systems are dynamic; they continually react to changing influences from geological, hydrological, physical, chemical,

More information

Plate Tectonics. Plate Tectonics The unifying concept of the Earth sciences. Continental Drift

Plate Tectonics. Plate Tectonics The unifying concept of the Earth sciences. Continental Drift Plate Tectonics The unifying concept of the Earth sciences. The outer portion of the Earth is made up of about 20 distinct plates (~ 100 km thick), which move relative to each other This motion is what

More information

Using a Concept Definition Map

Using a Concept Definition Map Lesson Plan Using a Concept Definition Map 1. Set Expectations Print Disaster on the board. Tell students, You are going to come up with as many words as you can that are related to the word disaster,

More information

Lesson 5: The Rock Cycle: Making the Connection

Lesson 5: The Rock Cycle: Making the Connection Target Grade or Age Level Sixth grade science Lesson 5: The Rock Cycle: Making the Connection Scientific Processes Addressed Defining operationally, formulating and testing hypotheses, constructing models

More information

Geol 101: Physical Geology PAST EXAM QUESTIONS LECTURE 4: PLATE TECTONICS II

Geol 101: Physical Geology PAST EXAM QUESTIONS LECTURE 4: PLATE TECTONICS II Geol 101: Physical Geology PAST EXAM QUESTIONS LECTURE 4: PLATE TECTONICS II 4. Which of the following statements about paleomagnetism at spreading ridges is FALSE? A. there is a clear pattern of paleomagnetic

More information

The correct answers are given below. Some talking points have been added for the teachers use.

The correct answers are given below. Some talking points have been added for the teachers use. Natural Resources Canada 2011: Lesson Plan Grades 11 and 12 Landslide activity 5b: Landslides in Canada quiz Description: This is an independent study activity for grades 11 and 12. Students will read

More information

View. A New. Into Earth

View. A New. Into Earth View A New Into Earth EarthScope is a bold undertaking to apply modern observational, analytical and telecommunications technologies to investigate the structure and evolution of the North American continent

More information