Shake It Up! Understanding Earthquakes

Shake It Up! Understanding Earthquakes

Hi Heidi! Get ready for an exciting journey into the world of earthquakes. We're going to learn what makes the ground shake, how scientists measure these powerful events, and how we can stay safe. Best of all, you'll get to be an engineer and build your own earthquake-resistant structure!

Activity 1: What Makes the Earth Sh-Sh-Shake? (Approx. 30 minutes)

Goal: To understand what an earthquake is and what causes it.

1. Watch & Learn: Start by watching this short, engaging video about plate tectonics and earthquakes: National Geographic - Earthquakes 101. Jot down 3 new things you learned.
2. Plate Detective:
   • Look at a world map showing tectonic plates. You can use this online one from USGS: USGS World Tectonic Plates Map.
   • Find where major earthquakes have happened (you can do a quick search for 'famous earthquakes map'). Do you see a pattern related to the plate boundaries?
   • In your notebook, define 'earthquake,' 'tectonic plates,' 'fault,' and 'epicenter.'
3. Quick Discussion (or write down your thoughts):
   • What happens at plate boundaries to cause earthquakes? (Think about plates sliding past, crashing into, or pulling away from each other).
   • Can earthquakes happen anywhere, or are some places more prone to them? Why?

Activity 2: Measuring the Tremors (Approx. 20 minutes)

Goal: To learn how earthquakes are measured.

1. Reading Time: Read about how earthquakes are measured. Focus on understanding the Moment Magnitude Scale (which replaced the Richter scale for large quakes) and what a seismograph does. You can use these resources:
   • Michigan Tech: Earthquake Magnitude
   • Michigan Tech: How Earthquakes are Recorded & Measured
2. Scale It!:
   • In your notebook, write down the difference between a magnitude 3 earthquake and a magnitude 7 earthquake in terms of energy released and typical effects.
   • Imagine you are a news reporter describing a recent earthquake. Write a short (3-4 sentence) report that includes its magnitude and what people might have experienced.

Activity 3: Shake Table Challenge! Build an Earthquake-Resistant Structure (Approx. 60-90 minutes)

Goal: To apply engineering principles to design and build a model structure that can withstand simulated earthquake shaking.

Safety First! If using glue guns or sharp tools, ask for adult supervision if needed. Wear safety goggles if appropriate for your materials.

1. Build Your Shake Table:
   • Place the marbles or round objects in the shallow cardboard box lid or baking pan.
   • Place one piece of sturdy cardboard (the 'ground') on top of the marbles. This is your shake table! When you gently shake the box lid, the cardboard on top should move.
2. Brainstorm & Design:
   • Before you build, think about what makes structures strong. Consider:
     • Base: Is a wide base better than a narrow one?
     • Shape: Are certain shapes (like triangles) stronger than others?
     • Flexibility vs. Rigidity: Should your building be able to sway a little, or be totally stiff?
     • Weight distribution: Where should you put weight, if any?
   • Sketch a quick design for your earthquake-resistant structure in your notebook.
3. Construct Your Model:
   • Using your chosen building materials (LEGOs, marshmallows & toothpicks, straws and paperclips, craft sticks and glue, etc.), build your structure on the second piece of sturdy cardboard (this is your structure's foundation, which will then be placed on the shake table). Aim for it to be at least 15cm (6 inches) tall.
   • Optional: Add small weights (like coins) to different parts of your structure to simulate furniture or occupants.
4. Test Your Structure!:
   • Carefully place your structure (on its foundation cardboard) onto the shake table.
   • Gently shake the box lid side-to-side for 10 seconds. How did your structure do? Record your observations.
   • Increase the intensity of the shaking slightly. What happens?
   • Keep testing and observing. If it collapses, try to figure out why. What part failed first?
5. Improve and Retest (Iterate!):
   • Based on your observations, can you improve your design? Rebuild or modify your structure to make it stronger.
   • Test it again! Did your changes help?
   • Feel free to try 2-3 different designs or modifications.

Activity 4: Staying Safe When the Ground Shakes (Approx. 15 minutes)

Goal: To identify key safety measures during an earthquake.

1. Research & List: Search online for 'earthquake safety tips'. A good place to start is Ready.gov - Earthquakes or the Red Cross.
2. In your notebook, list at least three important safety actions to take:
   • If you are indoors during an earthquake.
   • If you are outdoors during an earthquake.
3. Family Plan: Discuss with your family what your plan would be if an earthquake happened in your area. Do you have an emergency kit? Where are safe spots in your home?

Lesson Wrap-up & Assessment (Approx. 15 minutes)

Time to show what you've learned!

1. Explain It: Imagine you need to explain earthquakes to a younger sibling or friend. In your notebook, write a short paragraph (5-7 sentences) explaining:
   • What causes an earthquake?
   • How are big earthquakes different from small ones (think about magnitude)?
   • What is one important thing to do to stay safe during an earthquake?
2. Engineer's Report: For your Shake Table Challenge, briefly describe your most successful structure. What design features made it strong? What did you learn from the structures that didn't do so well? (You can write this or explain it verbally).
3. Questions? Do you have any lingering questions about earthquakes? Let's discuss them!

Great job today, Heidi! You've explored the powerful forces of our planet and learned how to be prepared!