earthquake case study worksheet

Engaging, effective and fun

These earthquake worksheets are high quality, colourful activities designed to appeal to those wishing to learn about earthquakes. in full colour with student-friendly design layout, they aim to help make learning about earthquakes fun and interesting. these free geography resources can be downloaded and printed today for use in schools or at home and they are a wonderful way to help foster learning..

Using longitude and latitude

To locate earthquakes..

In this activity, we look at locating well known earthquakes on a world map using their latitude and longitude co-ordinates.  There are eighteen earthquakes taken from history to locate and it is a good way of learning about longitude and latitude whilst also learning about earthquakes. This activity works well printed in A3 size or A4 size.  

2011 Tohoku earthquake fact file

This is a research activity that looks at the find of and buildign up of facts about a specific earthquake case study. This activity can be completed using the tablet PCs looking at the wikipedia page for the 2011 Tohoku earthquake. The website address is listed on the worksheet for ease of use. 

Developing geographical vocabulary

These two activities help develop your specific earthquake vocabulary and they offer different ways to look at and learn the geographical vocabulary associated with earhtquakes. 

Measuring earthquakes - Mercalli scale

In this activity, we look at one of the different ways to measure earthquakes - the Mercalli scale. We look at the descriptions f each level and draw illustrations of each level on the Mercalli scale.

Earthquake crossword

This is a good activity to test the understanding of earthquake vocabulary. You can learn about the meanings of words that are specific to the topic of earthquakes and this can be used either in a lesson or as a home work. 

Like our worksheets? Why not buy all 16?

These worksheets and activities will help you teach and learn all about the topic of earthquakes. They will save you a lot of prep time as they come complete with teacher notes and answers. Also included are ideas to start lessons with and activities that you could extend the lesson with, as well as activities that you could use for home work.  There are five complete lessons, and six additional activities.  These activities have all been created by teachers for teachers. 

The activities look at:  * Locating earthquakes using latitude and longitude,  * Tohoku 2011 fact file, * Earthquake crossword,  * Earthquake vocabulary, * Formation of a tsunami, * How do earthquakes occur, * How do tectonic plates move, * The Mercalli scale

EARTHQUAKE WORKSHEETS

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Geography Revision

Revision materials to support you in preparing for your GCSE Geography exams. 

GCSE | AQA |  The Challenge of Natural Hazards | Case Study – HIC Earthquake

• What is a natural hazard?
• Types of Natural Hazards
• Hazard Risk
• Plate Tectonics
• Why do tectonic plates move?
• The global distribution of volcanoes and earthquakes
• Destructive plate margins
• Conservative plate margins
• Constructive plate margins

Causes of earthquakes

• Measuring Earthquakes

What are the effects of earthquakes?

• Responses to Earthquakes

Case Study – HIC Earthquake

• Case Study – LIC Earthquake
• Earthquake Management

Revision Notes

Measuring earthquakes

Responses to earthquakes

Case Study – LIC/NEE Earthquake

Interactive Revision

• On 24 August 2016, a magnitude 6.2 earthquake hit central Italy near Norcia.
• The earthquake’s epicentre was shallow, at a depth of 5.1 km.
• It was the strongest quake in Italy since the 2009 L’Aquila earthquake, which killed over 300 people.
• The Amatrice earthquake was felt over 100 miles away, including in Rome.
• Amatrice, the town closest to the epicentre, suffered significant social, economic, and environmental impacts.
• Italy’s seismic activity is due to its location on the Eurasian and African plate collision border, creating multiple fault lines.
• Two major fault lines, north-south and east-west, contribute to the country’s geological instability.
• The Apennines are stretching northwest at about 3 mm per year, causing pressure buildup along faults, leading to earthquakes when released.

Primary Effects

The  primary effects  of the Amatrice earthquake include:

• Two hundred ninety-nine people died, 400 were injured, and 4454 were homeless.
• 293 historic buildings were damaged or destroyed, including the Basilica of San Francesco in Amatrice
• Over half the buildings in Amatrice were damaged or destroyed. Despite their reinforcements, 80 per cent of the buildings in the old town were affected.
• Although the government allocated €1 billion for building improvements since the 2009 L’Aquila earthquake, many properties did not meet seismic building standards. The uptake of the funding had been low.
• Despite being restored in 2012, the school in Amatrice collapsed, indicating substandard building practices.

Secondary Effects

The secondary effects of the Amatrice earthquake include:

• Landslides blocked roads, making access to the area difficult.
• Local residents suffered psychological damage.
• Individuals were reported to have been involved in looting.
• Unsafe buildings led to the town centre being cordoned off. This had a negative impact on  tourism .
• Ninety per cent of barns and stalls for sheep, goats, and cattle in the affected area were destroyed, alongside the mechanical milking systems. As a result, farmers struggled to milk by hand, leaving their cattle at risk of mastitis, an udder-tissue disease. Farmers struggled to make a living in the aftermath of the earthquake.
• The earthquake resulted in an estimated $11 billion in economic losses.

Immediate Responses

• Ten thousand homeless people were accommodated in 58 tent camps.
• Sports halls were converted to provide shelter, and hotels on the Adriatic coasts were used to home people temporarily.
• Many rescue workers arrived within an hour of the earthquake. Five thousand soldiers, alpine guides, and the Italian Red Cross were involved in searching for survivors, providing food and water, and supplying tents. Seventy dog teams and twelve helicopters were involved in the rescue effort.
• Six of the Vatican’s 37 firefighters have travelled to Amatrice to help civil  protection  workers look for survivors.
• A temporary hospital was set up, and patients at Amazatrice Hospital, severely damaged during the earthquake, were transferred to a nearby hospital in Rieti.
• Appeals were made by the national blood donation service to ensure demand was met.
• Facebook activated safety check features so local people could inform family and friends they were safe.
• Locals removed passwords from Wi-Fi at the Italian Red Cross’s request so rescue teams could communicate more effectively.
• The Italian Government announced a €50 million emergency response. Taxes for residents were cancelled, and reconstruction work began immediately.

Long-term Responses 

• Students were educated in neighbouring schools, while 12 classrooms were constructed in prefabricated buildings in Amatrice.
• Six months following the earthquake, the government promised to move people from temporary camps into wooden houses.
• The cost of rebuilding was reduced by tax incentives, allowing 65 per cent of total renovation costs to be used as tax breaks.
• Villages were rebuilt, with the building of the same character through a €42 million government initiative called ‘Italian Homes’.
• A year on, 2.4 million tons of debris and rubble remained in the areas affected by the earthquake.
• At 3:34 am on 27 February 2010, an 8.8 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of central Chile.
• The earthquake happened at a destructive plate margin , where the Nazca Plate subducts the South American plate.
• A series of smaller aftershocks followed it.
• Tsunami warnings were issued due to waves travelling from the epicentre across the Pacific Ocean at speeds of about 800 km/h.
• Around 500 people died, and 12,000 people were injured. Over 800,000 people were affected.
• Two hundred twenty thousand homes, 4500 schools, 56 hospitals, and 53 ports were destroyed.
• Santiago Airport and the Port of Talahuanao were severely damaged.
• The earthquake disrupted power, water supplies and communications across Chile.
• The cost of the earthquake is estimated to be US$30 billion.
• Tsunami waves devastated several coastal towns.
• The  tsunami  struck several Pacific countries; however, warnings prevented a loss of life.
• A fire at a Santiago chemical plant led to the local area being evacuated.
• Landslides destroyed up to 1500 km of roads, cutting off remote communities for days.
• Emergency services responded quickly.
• International support provided field hospitals, satellite phones and floating bridges.
• Within 24 hours, the north-south highway was temporarily repaired, allowing aid to be transported from Santiago to areas affected by the earthquake.
• Within ten days, 90% of homes had restored power and water.
• US$60 million was raised after a national appeal, which funded 30,000 small emergency shelters.
• Chile’s government launched a housing reconstruction plan just one month after the earthquake to help nearly 200,000 families.
• Chile’s strong economy reduced the need for foreign aid to fund rebuilding.
• The recovery took over four years.

Christchurch

• The earthquake struck New Zealand’s South Island, 10km west of Christchurch, at 12:51 pm on 22nd February 2011, lasting just 10 seconds.
• It measured 6.3 on the Richter Scale and had a shallow depth of 4.99 km.
• The quake occurred along a conservative margin between the Pacific and Australasian plates.

The  primary effects  included:

• Christchurch, New Zealand’s second city, experienced extensive damage
• 185 people were killed
• 3129 people were injured
• 6800 people received minor injuries
• 100,000 properties were damaged, and the earthquake demolished 10,000
• $28 billion of damage was caused
• water and sewage pipes were damaged
• the cathedral spire collapsed
• liquefaction  destroyed many roads and buildings
• 2200 people had to live in temporary housing

The  secondary effects  included:

• five Rugby World Cup matches were cancelled
• schools were closed for two weeks
• 1/5 of the population migrated from the city
• many businesses were closed for a long time
• two large aftershocks struck Christchurch less than four months after the city was devastated
• Economists have suggested that it will take 50 to 100 years for New Zealand’s economy to recover
• 80% of respondents to a post-event survey stated that their lives had changed significantly since the earthquake

The  immediate responses  included:

• around $6-7 million of aid was provided
• International aid was provided
• The Red Cross and other charities supplied aid workers
• rescue crews from all over the world, including the UK, USA, Taiwan and Australia, provided support
• more than 300 Australian police officers flew into Christchurch three days after the earthquake. They were sworn in with New Zealand policing powers and worked alongside New Zealand officers, enforcing law and order and reassuring the people of Christchurch
• 30,000 residents were provided with chemical toilets

The long-term responses included:

• the construction of around 10,000 affordable homes
• water and sewage were restored by August 2011
• the New Zealand government provided temporary housing
• Many NGOs provided support, including Save the Children
• Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority was created to organise the rebuilding of the region. It had special powers to change planning  laws and regulations.
• A 9.0 magnitude earthquake struck off Japan’s northeast coast, 250 miles from Tokyo, at a depth of 20 miles on March 11, 2011, at 2:46 pm local time.
• Occurred 250 miles off the northeast coast of Honshu, Japan’s main island.
• The earthquake resulted from the subduction of the Pacific Plate beneath the Eurasian Plate, a destructive plate margin.
• Built-up friction over time led to a massive ‘megathrust’ earthquake.
• Energy release was 600 million times the energy of the Hiroshima nuclear bomb.
• Post-earthquake studies found a thin, slippery clay layer in the subduction zone , which allowed a significant plate displacement of 164 feet and contributed to the massive earthquake and tsunami .
• The combination of the earthquake’s shallow depth and high magnitude generated a devastating tsunami.
• 15,894 people died, and 26,152 were injured.
• 130,927 displaced, with 2,562 missing.
• 332,395 buildings, 2,126 roads, 56 bridges, and 26 railways damaged or destroyed.
• 300 hospitals damaged, 11 destroyed.
• Over 4.4 million households in northeast Japan were without electricity.
• Significant disruptions to Japan’s transport network.
• Coastal land subsidence by over 50 cm in some areas.
• Due to tectonic shifts, North East Japan moved 2.4 m closer to North America.
• Pacific plate slipped westwards by 20 to 40 m.
• Seabed near the epicentre shifted by 24 m; off Miyagi province by 3 m.
• Earthquake altered Earth’s axis by 10 to 25 cm, shortening the day by 1.8 microseconds.
• Liquefaction damaged 1,046 buildings in Tokyo’s reclaimed land areas.
• The earthquake cost was estimated at US$235 billion, making it the most expensive natural disaster in history.
• Tsunami waves up to 40m high caused widespread devastation, killing thousands and causing damage and pollution up to 6 miles inland; only 58% heeded tsunami warnings.
• Fukushima nuclear power station experienced a meltdown in seven reactors; radiation levels spiked to over eight times the norm.
• Transport networks in rural areas were severely disrupted; the tsunami destroyed major roads and railways and derailed trains.
• The ‘Japan Move Forward Committee’ suggested young adults and teenagers could aid in rebuilding efforts.
• Coastal changes included a 250-mile stretch of coastline dropping by 0.6m, allowing the tsunami to travel further inland.
• The Japan Meteorological Agency issued tsunami warnings three minutes after the earthquake.
• Scientists had been able to predict where the tsunami would hit after the earthquake using modelling and forecasting technology so that responses could be directed to the appropriate areas.
• Rescue workers and around 100,000 members of the Japan Self-Defence Force were dispatched to help with search and rescue operations within hours of the tsunami hitting the coast.
• Although many search and rescue teams focused on recovering bodies washing up on shore following the tsunami, some people were rescued from under the rubble with the help of sniffer dogs.
• The government declared a 20 km  evacuation  zone around the Fukushima nuclear power plant to reduce the threat of radiation exposure to local residents.
• Japan received international help from the US military, and search and rescue teams were sent from New Zealand, India, South Korea, China and Australia.
• Access to the affected areas was restricted because many were covered in debris and mud following the tsunami, so it wasn’t easy to provide immediate support in some areas.
• Hundreds of thousands of people who had lost their homes were evacuated to temporary shelters in schools and other public buildings or relocated to other areas.
• Many evacuees came from the  exclusion zone  surrounding the Fukushima nuclear power plant. After the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear meltdown, those in the area had their radiation levels checked, and their health monitored to ensure they did not receive dangerous exposure to radiation. Many evacuated from the area around the nuclear power plant were given iodine tablets to reduce the risk of radiation poisoning.
• One month post-disaster, Japan established the Reconstruction Policy Council for National Recovery, focusing on tsunami-resilient communities.
• The government allocated 23 trillion yen for a ten-year recovery plan, introducing ‘Special Zones for Reconstruction’ to attract investments in Tohoku.
• Coastal protection policies involving seawalls and breakwaters were adopted to withstand tsunamis with a 150-year recurrence interval.
• Enacted ‘Act on the Development of Tsunami-resilient Communities’ prioritizing human life and promoting infrastructure and defence measures against major tsunamis.
• Post-earthquake, Japan faced economic challenges, with the disaster impacting stock market values and raising concerns about economic recovery.
• Infrastructure repair included 375 km of the Tohoku Expressway and Sendai Airport runway, with significant efforts from the Japanese Defence Force and the US Army.
• Reconstruction efforts also focused on restoring energy, water supply, and telecommunications infrastructure, achieving significant restoration rates by November 2011.

L’Aquila

• A 6.3 magnitude earthquake hit L’Aquila, central Italy, on 6 April 2009, resulting in 309 fatalities.
• The main shock occurred at 3.32 am, causing extensive damage to the 13th-century city, situated approximately 60 miles northeast of Rome.
• This event was Italy’s most severe earthquake since the 1980 Irpinia earthquake.
• The earthquake’s cause was normal faulting on the northwest-southeast-trending Paganica Fault, influenced by extensional tectonic forces from the Tyrrhenian Basin’s opening.
• L’Aquila experienced several thousand foreshocks and aftershocks since December 2008, with over thirty exceeding a 3.5 Richter magnitude.
• The L’Aquila earthquake damaged or collapsed 3,000 to 11,000 buildings, injuring around 1,500 people, and made approximately 40,000 homeless.
• Twenty children were among the 309 fatalities, and around 40,000 individuals were displaced, with 10,000 housed in coastal hotels.
• The European Union estimated the earthquake’s total damage to be US$1.1 billion.
• Historic buildings sustained severe damage, leading to widespread abandonment. Streets were blocked by fallen masonry, and a significant aftershock damaged the local hospital.
• The Basilica of Saint Bernardino, a major Renaissance church, and its campanile were severely damaged.
• Modern structures, including the earthquake-proof wing of L’Aquila Hospital, also suffered extensive damage, leading to its closure.
• Displaced persons found temporary shelter in tented camps and hotels along the coast.
• Aftershocks from the L’Aquila earthquake triggered landslides and rockfalls, damaging homes and transportation infrastructure.
• A burst main water supply pipeline near Paganio caused a landslide and mudflow.
• Student enrollment at L’Aquila University declined post-earthquake.
• The scarcity of housing led to increased house prices and rents.
• Much of the city’s central business district was cordoned off due to unsafe buildings, resulting in some areas remaining as ‘red zones’.
• These ‘red zones’ have negatively impacted business, tourism , and income in the area.
• Hotels sheltered 10,000 people; 40,000 tents were distributed to the homeless.
• Some train carriages were repurposed as shelters.
• Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi offered his homes for temporary shelters.
• Italian Red Cross, supported by dog units and ambulances, searched for survivors and set up a temporary hospital.
• The Red Cross distributed water, meals, tents, and blankets; the British Red Cross raised £171,000.
• Mortgages, Sky TV, gas, and electricity bills were suspended.
• Italian Post Office provided free mobile calls, raised donations, and offered free delivery for small businesses.
• L’Aquila declared a state of emergency, facilitating international aid from the EU and USA.
• EU granted US$552.9 million from its Solidarity Fund for rebuilding efforts.
• Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) did not provide aid, deeming Italy capable with its resources and EU support.
• A torch-lit procession and Catholic mass are held on the anniversary for remembrance.
• Residents were exempt from taxes in 2010.
• Students received free public transport , discounts on educational equipment, and an exemption from university fees for three years.
• Home reconstruction took years; historical centres may take 15 years to rebuild.
• Six scientists and one government official were initially convicted of manslaughter for not predicting the earthquake, sentenced to six years in prison, and fined millions in damages.
• In November 2014, the convictions of the six scientists were overturned by Italian courts.

New Zealand 2016

• A magnitude-7.8 earthquake hit New Zealand’s South Island on November 14th, 2016, at 00.02 am, resulting in at least two fatalities.
• The quake was felt up to 120 miles away, including in Wellington, the capital on the North Island.
• A tsunami warning was issued two hours post-quake, advising people on the eastern coast to move inland or higher ground.
• Two people died.
• Fifty people were injured.
• Sixty people needed emergency housing.
• Over 190km of roads and 200km of railway lines were destroyed
• Twenty thousand buildings were damaged or destroyed.
• Water, sewerage & power supplies were cut off.
• Total damage is estimated at US $8.5 billion.
• One hundred thousand landslides blocked roads and railways.
• A landslide blocked the Clarence River, causing flooding. Ten farms were evacuated.
• The earthquake triggered a tsunami of 5m, leaving debris up to 250 metres inland.
• A tsunami warning was issued, and residents were told to reach higher ground.
• Hundreds were housed in emergency shelters.
• Two hundred vulnerable people were evacuated by helicopter.
• Power was restored within hours. International warships were sent to Kaikoura with food, medicine and portable toilets.
• Temporary water supplies were set up.
• Other countries sent food and medicine.
• $5.3 million from the District Council for repairs and rebuilding.
• Road and rail routes reopened within two years.
• A relief fund was set up to provide basic supplies.
• By March 2017, a permanent water main had been laid in Kaikoura. the new pipe was designed to move with any future earthquakes so it wouldn’t break

Case study – LIC/NEE earthquake

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ShakeOut Educational Resources

Simple Activities and Games

These activities are designed to increase student knowledge about earthquake science and preparedness. They simple activties can be done anytime in the weeks leading up to the ShakeOut drill. Each activity should last approximately half an hour and can be used in classrooms, museums, and other educational settings. They are not sequence-bound, but when used together they provide an overview of earthquake information for children and students of various ages.

Each activity has a guide, followed by matching activity sheets. Directions on how to conduct each activity and relevant background content for each topic can be found in the guide pages.

Educational Materials, Websites, and other Resources

The following materials are resources for K-12 educators to help students prepare for the ShakeOut drill this October. The lesson plans and activities are organized by grade but they can be adapted for most grade levels.

Recommended Standards-Based Resources (organized by Los Angeles County Office of Education) . (PDF)

• Recommended Standards-Based Scientific Resources supporting the Great Southern California Shakeout (applicable statewide)
• Includes Standards Correlations and Recommended Reading/Activites

American Red Cross Masters of Disaster Program

• Masters of Disaster® disaster preparedness curriculum teaches children how to prevent, prepare for and respond to disasters and other emergencies.
• Topics include: Earthquakes, Fire Prevention and Safety, Floods
• Help reduce children's anxiety about unknown aspects of disasters and tragic events.

Team SAFE-T Course Materials

• Includes five 45-minute lessons to be taught over five days (free registration required)

SCEC Earthquake Country Los Angeles Online Kit

• Online kit to teach students why earthquakes occur, why it is difficult to predict them what they can do to protect themselves and their family from an earthquake.
• Lesson plans include: plate tectonics, plotting earthquake epicenters, seismic waves, earthquake predictability, and earthquake preparedness.
• Designed for grades 5-8. Each lesson can be completed in one or two 45-minute class periods.

FEMA 527 – Earthquake Safety Activities for Children and Teenagers (PDF)

• Provides ready-to-use, hands-on activities for students and teachers explaining what happens during an earthquake, how to prepare, and how to stay safe during and after an earthquake.
• Contains reference section for FEMA Publications

Tremor Troop: EARTHQUAKES – A Teacher's Package for Grades K-6

• Tremor Troop publication includes matrices that link classroom activities to the National Science Education Standards
• Lessons introduce how earthquakes are defined, why and where earthquakes occur, the physical results of earthquakes, and how earthquakes are measured.

USGS Earthquakes for Kids

• Topics include: Latest Quakes, Learning Links & Earthquake Activities, Earthquake History, Science Fair Project Ideas, Animations, Earthquake Facts & Pictures, and Ask a Geologist.

USGS Earthquakes for Teachers

• Links include: Earthquake Photo Collections, PowerPoint Slideshow, Animations for Earthquake Terms & Concepts, USGS Education Website, Store, Publications, and Maps.

California Geological Survey - Earthquakes

• Studies earthquakes to help Californians plan and build earthquake resistant communities.
• Record the strong ground motion from earthquakes, study the distribution of historic earthquakes and evaluate faults that are the source of earthquakes
• Combine that information to prepare maps showing the potential for ground shaking, fault rupture, liquefaction and seismically induced landslides.

California Geological Survey - Seismic Hazard Zone Maps

• Locations of active faults, and potential liquefaction and landslide zones.
• Includes interactive map (PDF)

California Geological Survey Educational Resources Center

• Includes: Statewide Geology Maps, Teacher’s Aid, California Geology 101 (History and Glossary of terminologies), Student Activities, and the CGS Library database.

Grades 7-12

Recommended Standards-Based Resources (organized by Los Angeles County Office of Education) (PDF)

American Red Cross Masters of Disaster Program (Grades 7-8)

• Educates students on earthquakeprevention, prepare for and respond to disasters and other emergencies. Topics include: Earthquakes, Fire Prevention and Safety, Floods
• Help reduce anxiety about unknown aspects of disasters and tragic events.
• Can be modified for grades 9-12. Each lesson can be completed in one or two 45-minute class periods.

Seismic Sleuths: EARTHQUAKES – A Teachers's Package for Grades 7-12

• Provides middle and high school teachers with information about the causes and effects of earthquakes.
• Discuss the causes of earthquakes, crustal stresses and the earth's structure, and their effects; seismic waves and the development of seismology; earthquake resistant design techniques; earthquake preparedness and historical earthquakes.

California Geological Survey - Seismic Hazard Zone Maps 

Smithsonian Ocean

A guide to earthquake lesson plans.

It isn’t everyday that a magnitude 5.8 earthquake strikes the East Coast of the United States . But on August 23, 2011, people from Georgia to New England felt the rumble and shaking of an earthquake whose epicenter was in Mineral, Va. The East Coast is historically a low risk zone. What exactly happened and how might educators use this event in the classroom?

First, take a look at an interview in Smithsonian Magazine with Dr. Elizabeth Cottrell, a geologist with the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History who puts the Virginia earthquake into context , explaining why it was felt over such a large area, the geology behind this earthquake, and what is generally known about faults in Virginia.

Next, check out this short list of earthquake educator resources for grade levels K-12, many of which are aligned with National Science Education Standards for physical science:

Earth’s Composition: The Earth is divided into layers by its physical and chemical properties: the crust, upper mantle, mantle, outer core, and inner core as shown in this United States Geological Survey (USGS) illustration . The crust and the upper mantle are collectively known as the lithosphere, which is comprised of tectonic plates. You can teach elementary students about Earth’s layers with this fun and edible " Pit of the Earth" activity .

Plate Tectonics:   The lithosphere is in constant motion, according to the science of plate tectonics . Scientists are able to better predict earthquakes by using seismic data. In this activity, help your students better understand this science by locating a global earthquake using recent seismic data .

Seismic Waves: Earthquakes generate four main types of seismic waves : Compressional (P) and Shear (S) waves are body waves and Love and Rayleigh waves are surface waves. Watch as Smithsonian Education Specialist Catherine Sutera demonstrates S and P waves with a toy Slinky ® and learn more about using the Slinky activity in your classroom . 

Measuring Earthquakes: Seismographs are the devices used to detect and record the vibration of earthquakes. Show your students how to develop their own seismograph with the "Shake It Up With Seismographs " lesson and activity plan. 

Calculating Magnitude: Seismologists measure the amount of energy released by an earthquake by calculating its magnitude. The scale commonly used today is a logarithmic scale that uses several factors to calculate the magnitude. Use this USGS magnitude calculator to help students understand how much more powerful the magnitude 9.0 Japanese earthquake was compared to the East Coast 5.8 earthquake. 

Become an Geophysicist--Study Earthquakes! A geophysicist is someone who studies the Earth using gravity, magnetic, electrical, and seismic methods. Learn about the different types of geophysicists and read a Q&A with a geologist/geophysicist.

Earthquakes and Tsunamis: Using maps and graphics, Smithsonian geologist Dr. Liz Cottrell provides an overview of the major earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan on March 11, 2011 in this video "Understanding the Japan Earthquake and Tsunami." You can also access " This Dynamic Planet ," a Smithsonian/USGS interactive world map of volcanoes, earthquakes, impact craters, and plate tectonics.

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Earthquakes.

According to the United States Geological Survey each year there are more than 10,000 earth quakes and in many years the number reaches above 30,000. That's a lot of movement! The good news is that most of those earthquakes measure 4.9 or less in magnitude and aren't really felt by humans.

But that doesn't make them any less scary. Earthquakes can be extraordinarily frightening for both children and adults alike. However, when you understand what causes earthquakes and how very frequent they actually are, children can begin to set aside their fear and discover some of the many wonders of the Earth and geology.

Teaching about Earthquakes

Imagine how people must have felt centuries ago when the ground would unexpectedly shake. Today, earthquakes are often predicted as is the potential destruction they may cause. During a geology lesson consider taking a day or two to study the science of earthquakes. Discuss why they happen and how scientists measure and predict them. Teacher Planet can help.

Teacher Planet offers lesson plans on epicenters, real time data projects and how scientists predict earthquakes. They also offer hands on activities to help those tactile learners in your classroom. Worksheets, printables and additional teaching resources help round out your unit on earthquakes and other natural disasters.

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Earthquakes Worksheets

Customize earthquakes worksheets.

If you're assigning this to your students, copy the worksheet to your account and save. When creating an assignment, just select it as a template!

Exploring the Use of Earthquake Worksheets in the Classroom

When it comes to teaching children about natural disasters, earthquakes stand out as both a fascinating and essential topic. Geology education is not just about teaching facts; it's about preparing children for potential natural disasters, like a volcano or tsunami, and fostering an interest in science. Earthquakes worksheets for kids offer an interactive and informative way to introduce young learners to the fascinating world of seismic events, making science education both enjoyable and educational. By using these free earthquake worksheets and activities, teachers can create a dynamic learning experience that empowers kids to understand the power of the Earth, the science behind quakes, and the importance of staying safe in earthquake-prone regions. Make learning about earthquakes a memorable experience for your students, and watch their curiosity and knowledge flourish.

Worksheet Activity Ideas

• Jeopardy (Questions about Earthquakes Worksheet): Create a game where students take turns answering earthquake-related questions in a Jeopardy-style format. Use the worksheet questions as a basis for the game.
• Shake Table Experiment (Worksheets for Middle School): Build a simple shake table (using materials like a shoebox and marbles) to simulate quakes and movements. Have students complete the worksheet. Middle school students can observe the effects of shaking on objects placed on the table and record their findings on the worksheet.
• Epicenter Simulation (Locating the Epicenter of an Earthquake Worksheet): Provide students with simulated seismograms and have them use triangulation techniques to locate the epicenter of fictional earthquakes. This hands-on activity reinforces the concepts from the worksheet.
• Fault Model Construction (Activity for Middle School): Students can create models of different types of faults (normal, reverse, strike-slip) using clay or playdough. They can label the faults and discuss how they contribute to earthquakes.
• Triangulation Game (Earthquake Triangulation Worksheet): Organize a game where students take on the roles of seismic stations. They communicate with each other to determine the epicenter of a hypothetical quake, practicing the triangulation method.
• Epicenter Hunt (Finding the an Earthquake's Epicenter Worksheet): Provide students with a map and seismograph data from three locations. They must use the worksheet instructions to locate the epicenter on the map. This can be done as a group activity.
• Vocabulary Pictionary (Earthquake Vocabulary Worksheet): Assign earthquake-related vocabulary words from the worksheet to students. They must create visual representations (drawings or diagrams) of the terms, like "rocks" or "measure magnitude," to help reinforce their understanding.
• Plate Tectonics Exploration (Map of World Earthquakes and Volcanoes Worksheet): Use the worksheet as a guide for students to investigate the locations of earthquakes and volcanoes on a world map. Encourage them to identify patterns related to tectonic plate boundaries.

Steps to Make an Earthquake Worksheet

• Determine Your Learning Objectives: Begin by defining the specific learning objectives you want to achieve with the worksheet. Consider the grade level of your students and the key concepts you want them to understand about earthquakes in the lesson.
• Choose Worksheet Topics and Content: Select the topics you want to cover in the worksheet. Common topics include basics, seismic waves, tectonic plates, safety, historical earthquakes, and more. Decide on the type of content, such as questions, diagrams, or activities, that will help convey these concepts effectively.
• Design the Worksheet Layout: Create a clear and organized layout for your worksheet. Include headings, subheadings, and sections for different parts of the content. Use a mix of text, images, and diagrams to make the worksheet visually appealing and informative.
• Develop Engaging Questions and Activities: To promote active learning, create questions, exercises, and activities that align with your objectives, encourage critical thinking, and include diverse question types like multiple-choice, fill-in-the-blank, and open-ended questions.
• Include Answer Key and Instructions: Include an answer key and clear instructions for completing the worksheet, along with any needed resources.
• Test and Refine: Test the worksheet with a small group, gather feedback, and make revisions for effective teaching.

Additional Storyboard That Resources and Free Printables

Parents and teachers looking for educational resources to teach their children about earthquakes can easily find free printable earthquake worksheets for kids and other worksheets on the platform.

• Erosion, Weathering, and Deposition Worksheets
• Layers of the Earth Worksheets
• Rocks and Minerals Worksheets
• Weather Worksheets
• Waves Worksheets
• Earth Science Worksheets
• The Moon Worksheets
• Volcano Worksheets

How to Make an Earthquakes Worksheet

Choose one of the premade templates.

We have lots of templates to choose from. Take a look at our example for inspiration!

Click on "Copy Template"

Once you do this, you will be directed to the storyboard creator.

Give Your Worksheet a Name!

Be sure to call it something related to the topic so that you can easily find it in the future.

Edit Your Worksheet

This is where you will include directions, specific images, and make any aesthetic changes that you would like. The options are endless!

Click "Save and Exit"

When you are finished, click this button in the lower right hand corner to exit your storyboard.

From here you can print, download as a PDF, attach it to an assignment and use it digitally, and more!

Happy Creating!

Frequently Asked Questions about Earthquakes Worksheets

Can earthquake worksheets be used in cross-disciplinary activities.

Yes, earthquake worksheets can be integrated into cross-disciplinary activities, allowing students to explore the connections between earthquake science and other subjects such as geography, math, and history.

What is earthquake triangulation, and how is it taught using worksheets?

Earthquake triangulation is a method used to locate the epicenter of an earthquake. Worksheets that teach earthquake triangulation typically include activities that involve plotting seismic data and using it to determine the earthquake's epicenter.

How can teachers design worksheets that focus on earthquake history and their impact on civilizations?

To design worksheets about earthquake history and its impact on civilizations, select significant earthquakes, research thoroughly, set clear learning objectives, organize chronologically, use primary and secondary sources, create thought-provoking questions, include maps and visuals, share engaging stories, encourage critical thinking, foster reflection and discussion, offer additional resources, and promote cross-disciplinary connections for a comprehensive understanding.

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AQA Geography GCSE - Natural Hazards - Chile & Nepal earthquake case studies

Subject: Geography

Age range: 14-16

Resource type: Lesson (complete)

Last updated

14 February 2022

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AQA GCSE - Living with the physical environment - Natural hazards - Chile & Nepal earthquake case studies

This is a double lesson is suitable for Key Stage 4 AQA GCSE geography students. The lesson is suitable for two 50 minutes - 1 hour lesson. Students will learn:

• Primary effects
• Secondary effects
• Immediate response
• Long-term response
• Chile earthquake case study
• Nepal earthquake case study

This lesson includes

• Embedded videos
• Differentiation for different abilities
• Worksheet and resources for printing

Visit www.easygeography.co.uk to download this and 100’s of other Geography lessons

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AQA Geography GCSE - Natural Hazards - All lessons

AQA Geography GCSE - Living with the physical environment - Natural hazards - All lessons This lesson is suitable for Key Stage 4 AQA GCSE geography students. The lesson is suitable for all eight 50 minutes - 1 hour lesson. Students will learn: * What is a natural hazard * Global distribution of plate boundaries * Physical processes at plate boundaries * Chile & Nepal earthquake case studies * Chile & Nepal Earthquake comparing earthquakes * Reducing the risk of tectonic activity * Living near a volcano This lesson includes * Starters * Embedded videos * Differentiation for different abilities * Worksheet and resources for printing Visit www.easygeography.co.uk to download this and 100's of other Geography lessons

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MeganWolpert

For £5 I thought there would be more detailed content. Very simplistic good for Lower ability students.

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