Byrnes STEM Earthquake Lesson
Alaskan highway showing earthquake fault.
Introduction:
This lesson follows up a unit on plate tectonics.
Students should already understand the layers of the Earth and the
forces that drive plate tectonics.
Students should also be familiar with the geologic zone in the Pacific Ocean known as the “Ring of Fire.”
They learn about earthquakes and how they result from plate motion. This lesson also offers an opportunity to discuss mechanical waves.
This lesson is a real-life, hands-on approach to understanding how science and technology work together.
Students see how energy travels through waves and is
transferred from the waves through structures.
By changing frequency of the waves, different types of damage occur to structures on the Earth’s surface.
This lesson follows up a unit on plate tectonics.
Students should already understand the layers of the Earth and the
forces that drive plate tectonics.
Students should also be familiar with the geologic zone in the Pacific Ocean known as the “Ring of Fire.”
They learn about earthquakes and how they result from plate motion. This lesson also offers an opportunity to discuss mechanical waves.
This lesson is a real-life, hands-on approach to understanding how science and technology work together.
Students see how energy travels through waves and is
transferred from the waves through structures.
By changing frequency of the waves, different types of damage occur to structures on the Earth’s surface.
Building Earthquake Resistant Buildings -
Lesson Survey
There are certainly quite a few great lessons out there that deal with designing and creating the most earthquake proof structures. I surveyed several and have included links to the best ones here. I have attempted to incorporate the best from them.
Newton's Apple -
Discovery Education - Designing Earthquake Proof Buildings
MCEER - Earthquake Engineering to Extreme Events
Ohio Department of Education 8th grade Unit -
Newton's Apple -
- Great instructions on how to build a shake table.
Discovery Education - Designing Earthquake Proof Buildings
MCEER - Earthquake Engineering to Extreme Events
Ohio Department of Education 8th grade Unit -
- Great Rubric!