- Use clay to make a model of the Earth.coloured clays image by Joe Houghton from Fotolia.com
In order to understand why the tectonic plates move and push each other around, an understanding of the parts of the Earth is important. The students will make a model of the Earth and learn the proper terms and characteristics of the Earth. Give each pair of students an assortment of red, brown, green and blue clay. For the students to make the hot inner core, they use the the red clay and roll it into a ping-pong size ball. They layer the blue clay over the inner core to represent the outer core. The blue clay should be about 1/4 inch thick. The next layer is made of brown clay and represents the mantle. The mantle is thicker than the outer core. The students make it 1/2 inch thick. The last layer represents the crust. It is a thin layer again and is green. When the students have completed their model of the earth, circulate and bisect the Earth. This gives the students a clear picture of the inside of the Earth. The students draw their cross-section of the Earth and label the layers. - Mapping the earthquakes leads to a discovery of the catalyst.world map image by Attila Toro from Fotolia.com
The Ring of Fire is the place on Earth surrounding the Pacific Ocean where large plates are in motion. Ninety percent of the earthquakes on Earth occur here. Let the students discover the Ring of Fire by giving them a map and a list of the 25 largest earthquakes listed by location and longitude and latitude. The students make a mark for every earthquake location once they have found the proper position. For a challenge, have the students plot the world's largest volcanoes. The relationship between the earthquakes and volcanoes will help them determine the volatility of the Earth in this region. Once all of the points are mapped, conduct a classroom discussion that leads the students to map out the Ring of Fire. - Students will look at a photo of the first seismograph, a tool to measure the movement of and intensity of earthquakes, and determine how it worked. Have the students make their own seismograph. One set of materials is needed for each team of students: string, wire, paper, pencil, marker pen, paper clips, glue, cardboard, poster board, foil, rubber bands, tape, pan or tray and clay. The students are given the challenge of designing and creating a seismograph with the materials. To test the seismograph, the student drops a ball from 0.5 meters, 1 meter and 1.5 meters on the table where the student-created seismograph is sitting. The team makes notes regarding the performance of their seismograph. Students will discuss how knowing the intensity of earthquakes can help inhabitants of the volatile zones be more prepared.
- The San Andreas Fault and other California fault lines are a part of the ring of fire. California's history shows the tragic role of earthquakes in this western state. The students will make a salt dough map of California, with the major fault lines represented. Each student will bring in a plywood or cardboard base no larger than his desk. They trace the shape of California on their base. You should prepare the salt dough mixture: three cups white flour, 1-1/4 cups warm water and one cup of salt to distribute to the students. Instruct the students to place the salt dough in the outline of California, spread it out evenly. They let the map dry; this may take several days. The students paint the map with the fault lines clearly visible.
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