Introduction

Scope & Sequence

Course Outlines

Assessment

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Main Topics & Concepts

How seismologists "measure" earthquakes: location, magnitude, intensity, ground motion.
Effects and potential effects of earthquakes on land, water, and structures: surface rupture, landslides, tsunamis, liquefaction, fires, building collapse.

Standards

SFUSD Performance Standard 17.5 - Using the distance and timing between S and P waves to determine the epicenter of an earthquake; discussing the relationship between logarithms and the Richter scale.

Science Probe Text

Science Probe II, Chapter 13, Section 13.1 contains information about earthquake measurement.

Activity	Access	Description
Science Probe II: Activity 13D Locating an Earthquake Epicenter		Students will learn how seismologists identify epicenter locations on a map. They practice reading seismograms.

Activities & Lessons

Activity	Access	Description
Virtual Earthquake Cal State LA		One of Cal State LA's Geology On-line labs. A truly interactive on-line exercise for the concepts of locating an earthquake and determining its magnitude. Participants who complete the activity are given a "Virtual Seismologist" award.
Earthquake Effects USGS		Teacher's guide with computer animations and a paper model. This activity illustrates such effects as the collapse of buildings, fires, and the triggering of tsunamis.
Investigating Earthquakes Through Regional Seismicity Southern California Earthquake Center (SCEC)		An online module on earthquakes, using southern California earthquakes to tell the story. Covers major concepts such as "What is an earthquake?", "The distribution of earthquakes", and "Measuring earthquakes". Very comprehensive, but may be frustrating over limited bandwidth connections. Fairly sophisticated concepts.
EarthPulse Center Riverdeep		An on-line "learning experience". Requires Flash, QuickTime, and SimPlayer. The USGS consulted on the development of this project.
Earthquake Hazards Seismic Sleuths		Section 4 of Unit 2 from Seismic Sleuths focuses on earthquake effects: liquefaction, landslides, and tsunamis. The tsunamic component provides another opportunity to reinforce the basic concepts of waves.
Sizing up earthquakes Seismic Sleuths		Section 3 of Unit 3 from Seismic Sleuths focuses on the quantification of earthquakes. Activity 1 introduces the Mercalli scale and the concept of intensity. Activity 2 contrasts this with magnitude, while Activity 3 is a classic earthquake location lesson.
Handheld Seismometer Educational Seismograph AS-1 Seismograph Larry Braile		These three guides show teachers how to build and/or use seismometers in the classroom. In the Handheld Seismometer (PDF file), plans for building a simple seismometer are provided. This can be used to illustrate the principles of seismometry. The Educational Seismograph (PDF file) provides a variation on the Handheld example, and has applications for use in the clasroom. For teachers who would rather purchase a higher quality sensor, the AS-1 Seismograph (PDF file), describes a $500. seisometer available from the Amature Seismologist which can used with the Amaseis software to record earthquakes and measure their magnitude. Other resources for building your own seismometer may be found this this FAQ on seismometers.

Resources

Resources	Access	Description
Seismic - Eruptions Computer Program Alan Jones		Windows-based computer program by Alan Jones for learning about the hows and whys of earthquake occurrence. Also known as SeisVolE. Available free from his Web page or on CD for a small fee from the Smithsonian Institution. Some teachers have reported problems installing the program with certain anti-virus detectors. Larry Braile has developed a classroom activity to accompany the program. It is also available as a PDF file.
Earthquake Magnitude Earthquake Effects and Earthquake Intensity University of Nevada - Reno		Part of a Web-based college course outline. Uses lots of graphics to explain the background of geophysics. While students could read it, it seems more appropriate as a resource for teachers.
Finding an Earthquake's Location USGS		A simple description of how seismologists locate earthquakes.