Earthquakes and volcanoes

During terrible natural disaster in Hawaii last week, we explored the topic of earthquakes and volcanoes thoroughly.

We discovered plate tectonics and saw how volcanoes and earthquakes are caused by the constant movement of the earth's pats. We learned why earthquakes occur. Children erupted a volcano with hardening lava, just like a real volcano and built a working seismograph to see how scientists measure earthquake forces. We studied carefully the world map to find out which regions are the most prone to earthquakes and where the Ring of Fire with 452 volcanoes is.

What we learned:

1. Earthquakes involve the powerful movement of rocks in the Earth’s crust.

2. Most earthquakes occur along the rim of the Pacific Ocean, called the "Ring of Fire"; a region of 452 volcanoes

3. Seismometers are used to measure the magnitude of earthquakes.

4. A Richter Scale is a device that gauges the strength of the earthquake.

5. The largest recorded earthquake in the world was in Japan and killed over 15000 people.

6. Alaska is the most earthquake-prone state in the world.

7. It is important for earthquake-prone countries such as Japan to build houses that will survive when an earthquake hits – they “wobble”

8. In Ancient Greece, people believed that the god of the sea, Poseidon, caused earthquakes. When he was angry, Poseidon would strike the ground with his trident and set off an earthquake. His unpredictable, violent behaviour earned him the nickname ‘Earth-Shaker’.

9. Tectonic plates move less than 3 inches (17 cm) per year. However, a tectonic plate movement of just 20 cm is enough to set off a major earthquake.

10. Scientists think that animals may sense the earthquake.

We also did:

slinky experiment to simulate earthquake waves. found HERE

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Vocabulary within the theme:

consequences - the results of a previous action dormant - in an inactive state, when growth and development slow or stop energy - a supply or source of electrical, mechanical, or other form of power epicentre - the exact location on the Earth's surface directly above the focus of an earthquake extraction - to pull something out, often using force faults - a displacement of rock layers in the Earth's crust in response to stress hypocentre - the point within the earth where an earthquake originates magnitude - a measure of the energy of an earthquake, specified on the Richter scale radiates - to send out energy such as heat or light, in the form of rays or waves, or be sent out in this form sediment - material eroded from pre-existing rocks that is transported by water, wind, or ice and deposited elsewhere seismic - relating to or caused by an earthquake or earth tremor seismograph - an instrument that detects the presence of an earthquake and measures and records its magnitude tectonic - relating to the forces that produce movement and deformation of the Earth's crust tremors - a quivering or vibration caused by slippage of the Earth's crust at a fault, especially before or after a major earthquake trident - an instrument, spear, or weapon with three prongs tsunami - a long, high sea wave caused by an earthquake or other disturbance