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Unit Plan
University of California

University of California: Understanding Earthquakes

For Students 3rd - 8th
This website is a resource for learning about earthquakes. Java animation at this site helps you visually understand the causes of earthquakes.
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Activity
TeachEngineering

Teach Engineering: Earthquakes Living Lab: P Waves, S Waves and More

For Teachers 9th - 10th
Students learn what causes earthquakes, how we measure and locate them, and their effects and consequences.
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Activity
TeachEngineering

Teach Engineering: Seismology in the Classroom

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students learn about seismology by using a sample seismograph constructed out of common classroom materials. The seismograph creates a seismogram based on vibrations caused by moving a ruler. The students work in groups to represent an...
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Website
University of Wisconsin

The Why Files: Science Behind the News

For Students 9th - 10th
The Why? Files from the University of Wisconsin explains the science behind the news. The website, tackling issues in news headlines, provides a good mix of information and interactivity that takes the "chore" out of learning.
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Website
Exploratorium

Exploratorium: Faultline: P and S Waves

For Students 9th - 10th
The different types of earthquake waves are discussed and illustrated. Features geologist video clip.
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Handout
Michigan Technological University

Michigan Technological University: Up Seis: Seismology and Seismic Waves

For Students 9th - 10th
Definitions and descriptions of a variety of seismic waves such as S, P, Love, and Rayleigh waves, as well as diagrams and speeds.
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Activity
American Geosciences Institute

American Geosciences Institute: Earth Science Week: Earthquake on the Playground

For Students 9th - 10th
In this experiment, students go outside and create a simulation of P and S waves traveling across a 30-meter span. This is repeated using a 30-meter square. They experiment with P and S wave behavior, record results, and use...
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Handout
US Geological Survey

U.s. Geological Survey: Earthquake Center: Glossary

For Students 3rd - 8th
This resource provides definitions of important earthquake related terms.
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Website
US Geological Survey

U.s. Geological Survey: Earthquakes for Kids

For Students 3rd - 8th
A collection of articles, games, printouts, facts, science fair ideas, and links through which students learn about the history and science of earthquakes and also explore what it takes to be an "earthquake scientist."
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Interactive
Smithsonian Institution

National Museum of Natural History: This Dynamic Planet

For Students 9th - 10th
Research and explore past earthquake and volcanic activity on this interactive world map. User can manipulate which notable events and other map characteristics to view depending on the type of study being done.
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Handout
California Institute of Technology

Cal Tech: The Great 1857 Fort Tejon Earthquake

For Students 9th - 10th
Basic information about the 1857 "Fort Tejon" Earthquake, along with comparison to other quakes, location of the epicenter, and faults involved.
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Activity
PBS

Pbs Teachers: Seismometer

For Teachers 3rd - 8th
Build an instrument for measuring movement to learn about how scientists measure the Earth's movement with a seismometer.
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Website
Other

Ncedc: Make Your Own Seismogram

For Students 9th - 10th
This site from NCEDC gives you an opportunity to "make your own seismogram" by choosing from a number of options on the screen.
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eBook
Other

Tulane University: Earthquakes and Earth's Interior

For Students 9th - 10th
College instructor's notes on seismology includes earthquake origins, seismic waves, risks and damage assessments, and other information about the interior structure of the Earth.
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Website
US Geological Survey

Usgs: November 29, 1975 Kalapana

For Students 9th - 10th
Describes details of the earthquake of November 29, 1975 Kalapana in Hawaii, the tsunami, and the eruption of the volcano Kilauea as a result of the earthquake.
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Lesson Plan
American Geosciences Institute

American Geosciences Institute: Earth Science Week: Seismic Mapping

For Teachers 5th - 9th
Young scholars become scientists, and learn about the usef of seismic technology to map patterns of rock formations below the surface of the Earth.
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Website
Other

Earthquakes Canada: What Is a Seismologist?

For Students 9th - 10th
Gives a basic description of a seismologist as well as some tools they use and interest that lend themselves best to seismology.
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Article
American Geosciences Institute

American Geosciences Institute: Careers: Seismologist

For Students 9th - 10th
Learn about the work of a seismologist, and find out what it takes to work in the field of seismology.
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Article
Space.com

Space.com: Cracking the Code of Pre Earthquake Signals

For Students 9th - 10th
Earthquakes can often hit unexpectedly. This article reveals some of the intricacies of these natural disasters and what signs serve as indicators to alert seismologists.
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Handout
Michigan Technological University

Michigan Tech University: Where Do Earthquakes Happen?

For Students 9th - 10th
An informative site that explains how and where earthquakes occur and the different types of faults. Contains maps and charts of fault lines, plate edges, and the continental plates. There are other links within the site of related...
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Website
Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology

Iris: Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology

For Students 9th - 10th
This university consortium provides on-going, current information on seismic activity happening all over the world. Of special interest is the Seismic Monitor. Open this page to a full screen to monitor global earthquake activity in real...
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Handout
Other

University of Wisconsin Green Bay: Faults and Earthquakes

For Students 9th - 10th
This site is primarily set up as an outline and is loaded with graphs, maps, and images. It covers a variety of earthquake-related topics, such as what causes earthquakes, fault lines and structures, seismology, a historical look at...
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Activity
Exploratorium

Exploratorium: The Faultline/seismic Slinky

For Students 9th - 10th
A lesson plan for investigating longitudinal waves by use of a Slinky toy. Directions, questions, and applications to seismic waves are provided.
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Website
Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology

Iris: J Ama Seis

For Students 9th - 10th
jAmaSeis facilitates the study of seismological concepts in middle school through introductory undergraduate classrooms. Users can obtain and display seismic data in real-time from either a local instrument or from remote stations.