Curated OER
Earthquake Intensity
In this earthquake intensity worksheet, students will use the Modified Mercalli Scale and descriptions to complete 4 short answer questions.
Curated OER
Earthquakes Rock!
Students study the main methods to measure earthquakes; the Richter Scale and Mercalli Scale. They make a model of a seismograph and investigate which structural designs are most likely to survive an earthquake.
Curated OER
Earthquakes
Students examine why earthquakes happen, and where most earthquakes occur in the world. They discuss how engineers and architects try to construct stronger buildings, then design and build an earthquake-proof structure.
Geographypods
Geographypods: Hazards and Risk Management: Earthquakes
This learning module looks at earthquakes. It discusses areas of earthquake activity, how they are measured using the Richter scale, and how scientists try to predict earthquakes. Includes handouts, slideshows, activities, and videos.
Other
Digital Library for Earth System Education: Teaching Box: Earthquake Country
A suite of lessons focusing on all aspects of earthquakes. Inquiry-based exploration of earthquakes includes measuring seismic waves, predicting earthquakes, investigating magnitude and intensity, mapping fault lines, and evaluating...
PBS
Pbs News Hour Extra: Preparing for the Ongoing Impact of Tsunamis and Earthquakes
Using geologist's tools and the lessons from the historic Japan earthquake of 2011, students predict when a disaster will hit and the need for disaster preparedness in communities.
US Geological Survey
Us Geological Survey: Earthquake Hazards
Find out about earthquake hazards and damage. Some of the topics are an introduction to hazards, hazard maps, soil types and damage, and recent damage caused by earthquakes.
Other
Geological Survey Program: Facts About the New Madrid Seismic Zone
It's surprising to find out that the New Madrid Seismic Zone is the most seismically active area in the United States. The facts go into the New Madrid fault very scientifically and are very detailed. Find maps and charts showing...
Exploratorium
Exploratorium: Earthquake Faultline Earthquake Activities
This outstanding website provides an excellent variety of hands-on earthquake activities to help you understand what causes earthquakes.
Other
Nevada Seismological Laboratory: Earthquake Effects in Kobe, Japan
Defines the basic earthquake effect categories: intrinsic, geologic, and societal and provides information of earthquake effects within the context of different earthquakes.
NASA
Nasa: A Century of Quake Research April 2006
This site that presents an in depth look at the catastrophic San Francisco earthquake of 1906. Plate boundaries are identified, effects of this natural disaster are outlined, and a wealth of information is discussed that provides a...
Other
Digital Library for Earth System Education: Living in Earthquake Country
An inquiry unit that teaches students about the how and why earthquakes cause damage and about life in earthquake country. Students specifically learn about: earthquake damage, where earthquake occur, earthquake patterns, seismic waves,...
Other
New Madrid: Earthquakes of 1811 1812
This very detailed description of the largest series of earthquakes in the United States tells what happened to the land and rivers as a result of the quakes. Read about the series of earthquakes that shook the region between December...
TED Talks
Ted: Ted Ed: Why Do Buildings Fall in Earthquakes?
Explains what happens during an earthquake to cause buildings to fall down, and what features give buildings a better chance of surviving one. Includes a video, background information and links, a multiple-choice quiz, and a discussion...
PBS
Nova Teachers: The Day the Earth Shook: Classroom Activity
Challenge your students to design a building that will withstand an earthquake. Using materials like 3x5 cards and paperclips, students design three different buildings and test their effectiveness.
Other
University of Bristol: Tacoma Narrows Bridge Disaster
The Tacoma Narrows Bridge disaster was caused by wind vibrations. Wind in a valley spanned by the Tacoma Narrows Bridge causes the bridge to vibrate so much it collapsed. Shows pictures of the bridge as it is collapsing.
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Earth Science: Predicting Earthquakes
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] The signs scientists might see prior to an earthquake occurring.
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: Earthquakes Rock!
Students learn the two main methods to measure earthquakes, the Richter Scale and the Mercalli Scale. They make a model of a seismograph - a measuring device that records an earthquake on a seismogram. Students also investigate which...
US Geological Survey
Usgs: 2004 Deadliest in Nearly 500 Years for Earthquakes
The USGS provides the facts and figures on 2004's earthquakes, which is the second most fatal in recorded history.
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Earth Science: Earthquake Damage
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] Variables that affect how much damage is caused by an earthquake.
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Earth Science: Earthquake Damage
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] Variables that affect how much damage is caused by an earthquake.
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Earth Science: Seismic Waves From Earthquakes
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] The signs scientists might see prior to an earthquake occurring.
Ready
Ready: Earthquakes
This resource explains what an earthquake is, as well as what you should do to protect yourself in case of an earthquake. It contains several factsheets of information.
PBS
Wnet: Thirteen: Savage Earth: The Restless Planet Earthquakes
Discussion of liquefaction and landslides which are two of the many effects of earthquakes.