DE Science Elementary “5-Minute Prep” For Earth’s Features Earth’s Changing Surface Earthquakes
Earthquakes – The Big Ideas An earthquake is the shaking of the ground caused by the rapid movement of underground rock. Earthquakes occur when rocks in the crust break or move suddenly along faults. Earthquakes change Earth’s surface rapidly. A powerful earthquake can cause extensive damage. Earthquakes can cause large ocean waves called tsunamis. Earthquakes are most likely to form at the boundaries of tectonic plates.
Earthquakes- Prior Knowledge Students probably have some prior knowledge about earthquakes. Many students probably know of the 2008 earthquake in China, and some students will know of the 2004 tsunami in the Indian Ocean. Before beginning the unit on earthquakes it would be helpful if students have background knowledge about: –tectonic plates –fault lines
Earthquakes – Common Misconceptions Earthquakes are caused by explosions from volcanoes. –Reality: An earthquake is not caused by a volcanic eruption. Faults are cracks in the Earth’s crust that form along plate boundaries. When the plates move, pressure builds and energy is released in the form of an earthquake. The ground opens up during an earthquake. –Reality: Shallow crevasses can form during an earthquake however faults do not open up during an earthquake. Movement occurs along the plane of a fault, not perpendicular to it.
Earthquakes– Using DE Science Content You can review the following recommended resources for earthquakes. Exploration: Earthquakes Video: Earthquake Zone E Book: Shake, Rattle, and Roll Reading Passage: The Shaking Ocean Floor Use the PowerPoint version of this presentation for hyperlinks to these resources or you can get to them through the browser or search feature.
Earthquakes- Instructional Ideas Use the Exploration with the whole class. Students can see the fault lines and tectonic plates, see animation and be the “cause” of an earthquake and tsunami, and see a short video clip about earthquake. After students watch the video about Earthquakes, ask them to consider the following two questions. Would you want to live or visit any of the areas seen in the video? What questions would you ask the scientist that was featured in the video? Students can use the web to track the number and location of earthquakes during a 2 week period. Students can compare the data they found with the map they used with The Shaking Ocean Floor reading passage.
State standards: If you wish to review your state standards regarding earthquakes, click here to get to the curriculum standards search feature of DES. You can click on any standard to see what resources are available to teach it. Additional Information: For additional content, check the Extend section within the concept.