ClassX Video Lessons Earthquakes for Kids STEM | Learn why earthquakes happen and how to measure them
Have you ever wondered what an earthquake is? You might be surprised to learn that several million earthquakes happen every year! Most of them are so tiny that we can’t even feel them. In fact, only about 20 earthquakes are big enough to be officially reported each year by the United States Geological Survey.
The Earth is made up of four main layers: the inner core, outer core, mantle, and crust. Imagine the crust and the top of the mantle as the Earth’s skin. This “skin” is made up of large pieces of rock called tectonic plates. There are about 15 major plates that fit together like a giant puzzle. The edges where these plates meet are called plate boundaries.
These huge pieces of rock move around under the Earth’s surface, sometimes bumping into each other and creating tension. This tension causes cracks called faults. When the faults get stuck, pressure builds up, and when they finally move, an earthquake happens!
Earthquakes are caused by the movement of tectonic plates in three main ways: subduction, lateral sliding, and spreading.
Did you know that nearly 90% of all earthquakes start in the Pacific Ocean in an area called the Ring of Fire? This area is not only known for earthquakes but also for having many active volcanoes.
The epicenter is the point on the Earth’s surface directly above where an earthquake starts. The closer you are to the epicenter, the more you will feel the earthquake. Scientists use a tool called a seismograph to measure the vibrations of an earthquake. The strength of an earthquake is given a number called magnitude. For example, a magnitude of 5.5 is moderate, while above 8.0 is major.
You can create a model of a seismograph at home! Here’s what you’ll need: a cardboard box, string, a plastic cup, a marker, small heavy objects, a long strip of paper, and a friend to help you.
Here’s how it works: One friend shakes the box in different ways while the other pulls the strip of paper through the bottom. Watch as the marker records the movement, just like a real seismograph during an earthquake!
Afterward, you can analyze the lines on the paper to see how strong the “earthquake” was. This activity helps you understand how scientists study earthquakes. It’s a fun way to learn and experiment!
For detailed instructions, visit our website at learnbrite.org. Have fun exploring and learning!
Thanks for joining us on this exciting journey into the world of earthquakes!
Use clay or playdough to build a model of the Earth’s layers. Start with the inner core and work your way out to the crust. Label each layer and explain its role in the formation of earthquakes. This hands-on activity will help you visualize the Earth’s structure.
Draw and cut out pieces of a world map to represent the major tectonic plates. Try to fit them together like a puzzle. As you work, think about how the movement of these plates can cause earthquakes. This activity will help you understand the concept of plate boundaries.
Use a sandbox or a tray filled with flour to simulate fault lines. Gently push the sides together to mimic subduction or slide them past each other for lateral sliding. Observe how the “earth” moves and discuss how these movements can lead to earthquakes.
Research the Ring of Fire and create a poster that shows its location and significance. Include information about the types of earthquakes and volcanoes found in this area. Present your findings to the class to share what you’ve learned about this seismic hotspot.
Follow the instructions to create your own seismograph using household materials. Test it by simulating small “earthquakes” and record the results. Analyze the patterns you create to understand how real seismographs work. This activity will give you insight into how scientists measure earthquakes.
Sure! Here’s a sanitized version of the transcript:
—
[Music]
What is an earthquake? Would you be surprised to learn that several million earthquakes happen every year? Seriously, most are so small in magnitude that we cannot even feel them. In fact, only about 20 earthquakes are officially reported each year by the United States Geological Survey.
The Earth has four major layers: inner core, outer core, mantle, and crust. Think of the crust and the top of the mantle like the skin of the Earth. This skin is made up of different pieces of rock called tectonic plates. There are about 15 major slabs that join together, kind of like a puzzle. The edges around the tectonic plates are called plate boundaries.
These massive pieces of rock slide back and forth under the Earth’s surface, bumping up against each other and creating a lot of tension. This tension and movement create faults, which are basically huge cracks in the rock. When the faults get stuck, they build up pressure, and when they get unstuck, you guessed it, an earthquake occurs.
So basically, an earthquake is caused by the shifting and sliding of tectonic plates on the Earth’s upper mantle and crust. There are three ways that tectonic plates shift or slide: subduction, lateral sliding, and spreading.
Subduction happens when plates crash into each other. This can cause one plate to slide under another and be destroyed, or the edges of the plate may raise up and form mountains. Lateral sliding means that the plates slide alongside each other, which can create lots of friction. Spreading happens when plates move apart from each other; when they do, melted rock between the plates rises and cools, forming new crust.
Here’s an interesting fact: nearly 90 percent of all earthquakes begin in the Pacific Ocean in an area called the Ring of Fire. It’s called the Ring of Fire because, along with earthquakes, it’s filled with many active volcanoes. More than 450 earthquakes can be powerful enough to change the surface of the Earth and can cause a lot of damage. Sometimes, earthquakes can even trigger other natural disasters like avalanches, landslides, and tsunamis.
The epicenter is the location of an earthquake on the Earth’s surface. The closer you are to the epicenter, the more of the earthquake you will feel. Earthquakes lose intensity as they travel away from the epicenter. Scientists measure the intensity of an earthquake using a special device called a seismograph. Seismometers detect and measure the vibrations given off by an earthquake.
Magnitude is the number given to record the size of an earthquake. For example, a magnitude of 5.5 is considered moderate, while above 8.0 is considered a major earthquake, which we see about once a year or two. Earthquakes measured at 2.5 or less are usually not felt but can be recorded, and believe it or not, there are millions that happen each year.
You can make a model of a seismograph at home, and we are going to show you how. It’s activity time! You can print off directions for this activity on our website at learnbrite.org. You’ll need a cardboard box, string, a plastic cup, a marker, small heavy objects, a long strip of paper, and a friend because this activity is for at least two people.
Now comes the fun part! One friend shakes the box, alternating between hard and soft, and slow and fast, while the other friend pulls the strip of paper through the bottom. Watch the marker as it records the movement. This is exactly what a seismograph does during an earthquake. So in a way, we have not only created our own seismograph but our own earthquake as well.
Now we can analyze the data just like scientists. Can you tell how hard the box was shaking based on the line? Can you tell when it was barely shaking at all? You are on your way to becoming a seismologist! A seismologist is a person who studies earthquakes. It’s pretty cool to watch the process, but it’s even more exciting to do it yourself.
You can head on over to our website to get detailed instructions for this activity. Just download the lesson plan, and as always, have fun!
Hope you had fun learning with us! Visit us at learnbrite.org for thousands of free resources and turnkey solutions for teachers and homeschoolers.
Thank you!
[Music]
—
Let me know if you need any further modifications!
Earth – The planet we live on, which is the third planet from the Sun in our solar system. – Earth is the only planet in our solar system known to support life.
Earthquake – A sudden shaking of the ground caused by movements within the Earth’s crust or volcanic action. – The earthquake caused the buildings to sway and people to run outside for safety.
Tectonic – Relating to the structure of the Earth’s crust and the large-scale processes that take place within it. – Tectonic movements can cause the formation of mountains and ocean trenches.
Plates – Large, rigid pieces of the Earth’s crust that move and interact with each other on the Earth’s surface. – The movement of tectonic plates can lead to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
Crust – The outermost layer of the Earth, which is solid and relatively thin compared to other layers. – The Earth’s crust is where we find continents and ocean floors.
Faults – Cracks in the Earth’s crust where blocks of rock have moved past each other. – Earthquakes often occur along faults where stress builds up and is released suddenly.
Pressure – The force exerted on a surface per unit area, often related to the weight of the air or water above it. – The pressure deep under the ocean is much higher than at the surface.
Magnitude – A measure of the energy released by an earthquake, which determines its size and strength. – The earthquake had a magnitude of 6.5, making it strong enough to cause significant damage.
Ring – A circular or nearly circular line, path, or area, often used to describe a geological feature. – The Ring of Fire is an area in the Pacific Ocean where many earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur.
Fire – The rapid oxidation of a material in the chemical process of combustion, releasing heat and light. – Volcanic eruptions can spew out lava, which is molten rock that glows like fire.
