The Virtual Earthquake
Teacher Activity Page

[Standards] [Related Hot Links] [Student Page] [PDF File]

  

Background

Virtual Earthquake is an interactive Web-based program designed to introduce students to the concepts of how an earthquake Epicenter is located and how the Richter Magnitude of an earthquake is determined. The Virtual Earthquake computer program is running on a Web Server at California State University at Los Angeles.

Object

  1. The learner will develop an understanding of seismic waves during an earthquake and determine what the readings of the Richter scale mean.
  2. The learner will learn how a seismograph works.
  3. The learner will determine the epicenter of an earthquake

 

Resources/Materials/Supplies

Video Segment _ Programs #3 & #4
Internet access to the Virtual Earthquake site: http://vcourseware4.calstatela.edu/VirtualEarthquake/VQuakeIntro.html
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Description:

In small groups have the class rotate into this activity. Assign each group to a different earthquake zone and then have the groups report their findings to the whole class.

Management Tips and Hints:

Have the student groups maintain a journal of their findings.