Lesson 1-Instructional Resource 1
Earthquake Science
The facts you need to
know about earthquakes
6
What is an earthquake?
Earthquakes are the sudden sliding,
rolling, or shaking of the earth’s surface.
They can cause the earth’s surface to
move in many directions, such as up,
down, or sideways.
graphic credit: FEMA
7
These movements occur along fault
zones. These fault zones, or cracks in the
earth’s surface, are caused by broken
rocks sliding past each other.
graphic credit: physicalgeography.net
8
The movement earthquakes produce can be felt
over large areas, but often last less than a minute.
Sometimes smaller earthquakes, called foreshocks
can happen in the same place before a large or
major earthquake, called a mainshock occurs. Small
earthquakes can also happen after this large
earthquake, and are called aftershocks. These can
continue for weeks, months, and even years
depending on the strength of the mainshock.
Foreshocks
Main Shock
Aftershocks
9
Earthquakes cannot yet be predicted by scientists,
but their intensity, or strength, can be measured by
a tool called a seismograph. To measure this
intensity, a Richter scale is used. 10 times the
amount of shaking and 33 times the amount of
energy represents 1 point of movement on the
scale.
Richter Scale
4
Minor Earthquake
5
Moderate Earthquake
6
Strong Earthquake
7
Major Earthquake
8
Great Earthquake
seismograph
graphic and chart credit: http://at.blog.wetter.com/?tag=erdbeben & www.weatherwizkids.com
10
Fun Facts
1. Earthquakes can also be known as quakes,
shakers, or seismic activities.
2. The location below the earth’s surface where
an earthquake starts is called a hypocenter.
The point on the earth’s surface that is
directly above the earthquake is called an
epicenter.
3. An earthquake may release 10,000 times the
energy of the first atomic bomb.
11
What causes an earthquake?
The Earth’s surface consists of about 20 plates.
These plates, or large blocks of rock, are
constantly moving past one another in different
directions and speeds.
12
Hands on Activity
Now, let’s relate what we know about
earthquakes and how they are caused using a
pencil in our classroom.
Hold a pencil vertically (long ways) with both
hands, one at each end. Now apply a force at
both ends of the pencil, trying to push the ends
together. You should see the pencil begin to bend.
If you pushed with enough force, the pencil
would eventually break, releasing the pressure.
13
Just as your pencil would break if the force was
strong enough, so does the Earth’s surface.
When the plates push against themselves and
others, these cracks, or breaks in the plates are a
way for the earth to relieve stress, or pressure.
When this happens, the energy, or seismic
waves we feel, is called an earthquake.
graphic credit: Akrontaxhelp & JCP Geologist, INC.
14
When these plates slide against each other, the huge
rocks are squeezed together causing a great force to build.
When the force is great enough, the plates crack, causing
an Earthquake. Several times a year, earthquakes are
strong enough to really shake the earth and cause damage
anywhere from knocking down buildings, to even breaking
trees in half. People can even be killed in just a few
minutes.
graphic credit: lifevesting.com & news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_pictures/74211 995,stm
15
Fun Facts Cont.
3. The plates of the earth move at about the same
rate as your fingernails grow.
4. Is there such a thing as “earthquake weather?”
There is actually no known connection between
the cause of an earthquake and weather
patterns. Earthquakes actually happen very far
away from the earth’s surface and its weather.
5. Can earthquakes occur on the moon?
Moonquakes caused by stress from the ocean’s
tides, do occur, although they have less energy
and happen less often.
16
Where are earthquakes located?
You have learned that earthquakes occur along fault
zones on the earth’s surface. These fault zones actually
connect the earth and its continents like puzzle pieces.
Anywhere these puzzle pieces can push together, an
earthquake can occur. That means an earthquake can
happen anywhere in the world at anytime.
graphic credit: earthquake.biz
17
Since about 71% of the earth is covered in water,
earthquakes usually occur in the oceans and are
unnoticeable. On land, 95% of the world’s
earthquakes occur along active fault zones in places
such as California, Alaska, Japan, South America,
and the Philippines. Can you color a map of our
country’s seismic activity risk?
18
Although our state is not one on the list, Kentucky
does have an earthquake history and threat, likely
to be added to in the future. In Kentucky, there are
two major fault zones, located near the Eastern and
Western portions of the state.
graphic credit: uky.edu
19
An earthquake has happened as recently as
September 26, 2009, here in Kentucky. But, the
largest and strongest earthquake recorded within
our state happened on July, 27, 1980. The 5.1
magnitude earthquake was felt over 15 states, even
as far as Ontario, Canada. With an epicenter near
Sharpsburg (Bath County) in East Central Kentucky,
damage was estimated at 1 million dollars.
graphic credit: answers.com & usgs.gov
20
In Kentucky, our largest threat
comes from the New Madrid
Seismic Zone (NMSZ). It
crosses the five states of
Illinois, Missouri, Arkansas,
Tennessee, and Kentucky, and
cuts
across
both
the
Mississippi and Ohio Rivers.
Because they are so close the
NMSZ also effects Indiana,
Alabama, and Mississippi. It is
the highest earthquake risk in
the United States after the
West Coast.
graphic credit: yedda.com
21
In the years of 18111812, the Great New
Madrid caused over
3,600 shocks lasting 5
months.
Three of
which were estimated
at 7.8 or higher on the
Richter scale. They
caused church bells to
ring along the Eastern
coast, and damaged
farm land so much it
was unusable for years.
graphic credit: tnguy.com & physorg.com
22
The New Madrid seismic zone is still active, and
hundreds of small quakes occur annually. Some
are large enough to be felt. Below shows a map
of the recent earthquakes that have occurred in
and around Kentucky.
Graphic credit: folkworm.ceri.memphis.edu/recenteqs/
23
Scientists predict earthquakes at a 7.5 or higher
usually occur along the New Madrid every 200500 years. An earthquake this size is likely to
shock half of the United States and cause
damage in over 8 states.
24
To prepare for this type of earthquake, Kentucky
has joined with the eights states most
vulnerable to the effects of earthquakes in the
NMSZ region. These states form the Central
United States Earthquake Consortium (CUSEC)
and are working to increase awareness and
education. You are learning this week about
earthquake preparedness to help protect
yourself and family from future earthquakes.
25
Slide Information Credits
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Kentucky Division of Emergency Management
Weather Wiz Kids
USGS
University of Memphis Center for Earthquake Research and
Information
Fema for Kids
St. Charles County Division of Emergency Management
History for Kids
The Green Frog News (Lisa Wald)
Boomerang Box
Library Thinkquest
26
Lesson 2-Instructional Resource 2
Shake, Rattle, & Roll
Are you prepared to help
yourself and others?
Graphic credit: tfd.metro.tokyo..gif
39
What happens during an earthquake?
graphic credit: bloximages.com
Pretend you have just gotten ready
for school and you are enjoying a
bowl of cereal. You add some sugar
to your bowl and…KABOOM! The
entire shelf of dishes collapses
breaking dozens of plates, bowls,
and cups; the painting on the wall
slams to the floor sending
shattered glass everywhere; and
the ceiling fan above your head
hangs down, dangling just above
your head by only a cord.
40
graphic credit: pep.bc.ca
An earthquake can happen in an instant,
unexpectedly, and without any warning. When an
earthquake occurs, it is important to know what to
expect, how you may feel, what dangers may occur,
and how to keep yourself and others safe.
41
What to Expect
graphic credit: contest-timer.com
Most earthquakes last only 30 to 60 seconds,
which means you must react quickly. Your senses
will experience certain things that will help you to
know an earthquake is happening. You will be
better prepared the earlier you are able to
recognize these signs.
42
Hands on Activity
Now, let’s see how well you can estimate the length of an
earthquake using what you have learned. Break up into
partners. One person will be the timekeeper and the other
the earthquake. When your teacher gives the signal,
timekeepers start keeping time and earthquakes start
shaking. When the person representing an earthquake thinks
he or she has shaken an appropriate estimate, stop shaking.
The time keeper should stop time and both partners should
record the length on the Notes & Sketches sheet. Switch
roles and repeat, following all the steps listed above. Answer
the questions that follow, and when all students are finished,
share the results as a class.
43
graphic credit: seismo.berkley.edu
During an earthquake you might feel the ground
and other objects shaking or vibrating. You might
see debris and objects falling, swaying, or
wobbling. With loss of electricity, you may even
experience complete darkness. Sounds such as
rattling glass, a blowing or hissing, or even objects
colliding might be heard. You might even smell gas
or something burning.
44
How will I feel?
Earthquakes can be frightening. It is okay
to feel scared or anxious, but it is
important to stay calm, not panic, or run.
graphic credit: tvlowcostnetwork.wordpress.com& edupics.com
45
Do’s and Don’ts
Once you know an earthquake is happening, now what
do you do? What could you have done before the
earthquake ever happened to be prepared? What are
you supposed to do afterwards?
graphic credit: timbossie.com
There are certain do’s and don’ts that can help you stay
safe during an earthquake. Most of the damage caused
is also predictable and preventable.
46
Before an Earthquake
Before an earthquake happens, you and your
family should create a Family Communication Plan,
organize a Home Survival Kit, and arrange your
home for safety. You will learn more about these
items in following lessons, but keep in mind it is
very important to plan for an earthquake. Then you
can be prepared to stay safe when one actually
occurs.
graphic credits: usgs
47
During an Earthquake
Now you know what to
do before, let’s pretend
again an earthquake is
happening. This time,
let’s focus on what you
should do, not what is
happening around you.
First, protect yourself
with the “Drop A, Cover
B, & Hold On C” method.
graphic credits: usgs
48
Drop
•If you are indoors, stay where you are. Drop to the
floor.
•If you are outdoors, move out into the open or to a
clear area. Avoid trees, buildings, large signs, power
lines, or any other objects that might fall.
•If you are in a car, have the person driving safely
pull the car over and stay inside your vehicle. Avoid
overpasses, bridges, or power lines.
graphic credits: iceoe..org, wfrc.org, & leinbach.org
49
Cover
When indoors, find a sturdy (strong) piece of
furniture like a table, desk, or bed to get
underneath for Cover. If there is no strong
furniture, then find an interior (middle) wall to
move to. Cover your head and neck with your
hands. Avoid large mirrors, hanging objects,
shelves, or other objects that may fall over.
graphic credits:odpem.org & humboldt.edu
50
Hold On
Last, Hold On to what is covering you, that way
if it moves you can stay with it, safely covered.
Be sure to also attempt to Cover your head and
neck with your hands.
graphic credits: usgs, scec, & ehow.com
51
After an Earthquake
Be careful and wait until the shaking stops.
Afterwards, check yourself and then your family
members for injuries. Don’t move seriously
injured people unless they are at risk where they
are located. If telephones are working, dial 911 or
an emergency number for first aid. For your own
safety, cooperate fully with public safety officials.
Next, If you were using any fire or heat sources,
turn them off immediately. Turn on your portable
radio to hear instructions and news reports.
Finally, find a secure exit. Be careful of broken
glass and fallen debris. Tell an adult to turn off the
water, electricity, and gas before exiting. After
knowing you and your family are safe, check on
others and neighbors.
graphic credits: tmd.metro.tokyo.jp
52
Once an earthquake has occurred, it is
important to still be prepared for aftershocks.
These will likely be less strong, but can still
cause damage.
Following the do’s and don’ts of this PowerPoint
will help you, your family, and the community
you live in to stay safe and be better prepared
for earthquakes.
53
Slide Information Credits
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Kentucky Division of Emergency Management
FEMA Ready…Set…Prepare!
USGS
California Governor’s Office of Emergency
Services
Davis School District Emergency Preparedness
eHow Earthquake Safety for Kids-MichelleN
www.disastercenter.com
geology.com
Kids Discover
54
Lesson 3-Instructional Resource 3
Watch Out for Hazards!
What changes can
be made to a classroom or
home environment to
decrease possible hazards?
What are possible hazards
in a classroom or at home?
The tips you should know to
prepare for disasters
Graphic Credit: cmcdenver.com
73
What causes the most damage and
injury during an earthquake?
During an earthquake, the main cause of damage or
injury comes from fallen debris, or parts of damaged
buildings.
74
You can decrease possible damage from falling
objects by being prepared. You can do this by
searching your classroom and home for possible
hazards. Hazards can be any object or structure
that may cause injury or harm during an
earthquake or other natural disaster.
* How might each of the items below cause injury or harm during the shaking of an earthquake?
Tall Bookshelf
Piano on Rolling Wheels
Fish Tank Display
Hanging Plant
TV on Rolling Wheels
75
Graphic Credits: carefreegreen.com & kcgov.us/departments/disaster/familyplan.asp & avtg.com & webweaver.nu/clipart/music/piano.shtml & ardeaprints.com
Classroom Hazard Search
Today we are going to search
our classroom to identify
possible hazards that may
cause harm in the event of
an earthquake or other
natural disaster.
We will search for objects or
structures that may break,
fall, or catch fire in the
classroom.
Graphic Credit:easternct.edu/career/webresources.htm
76
Watch out for these possible hazards!
 Shelves, bookcases, cabinets, or other furniture that are
free-standing, or not attached to the wall
 Heavy objects located on shelves above student seating
 Aquariums located near student seating
 TV monitors not properly fastened to a stable platform
or not attached to a rolling cart with lockable wheels
 Piano not secured, or is able to move.
 Unsecured wall mountings
 Hanging items that are heavy, breakable, or not
fastened to closed hooks
77
What hazards did you find?
Together we can correct many of these hazards in
our classroom, but some we will not be able to
correct without help. By working to correct most of
these classroom hazards we will be able to lower
our chances of injury in the event of an earthquake
or other natural disaster.
Graphic Credit: clker.com
78
What changes can be made to our classroom to
decrease possible hazards?
We can work together to
make our classroom a safer
place in the event of an
earthquake. Changes may
be
needed
including
moving,
replacing,
or
securing objects.
Graphic Credit: istockphoto.com
79
List Changes
Changes we can make
Changes we need help with
80
What are possible hazards in your home and what
changes could be made to make your home safer?
Now that you have found
and corrected our classroom
hazards, I want you to think
about possible hazards in
your home. Tonight you will
search your home and
identify any possible hazards
that may cause your family
harm during the event of an
earthquake or other natural
disaster.
Graphic Credit: imageenvision.com
81
Graphic Credit: scemd.org
82
Home Hazard Search
Graphic Credit: sll.sdsu.edu/studentsorgs/dev-pass-baton.html
You will use a checklist
tonight to locate possible
hazards in your home. This
checklist will include many
possible home hazards, but
you may also find others
that aren’t listed. Make a
tally for all possible hazards
on your checklist.
83
Include your Family
Graphic Credit:divinecaroline.com
Encourage your family to help
you in your search for possible
hazards at home. Work together
to make changes that will make
you and your family safer.
Discuss with your family the
importance of being aware of
possible hazards in order to
better prepare yourself for an
earthquake or other natural
disaster at home.
84
Written Slide Credits
•
•
•
•
www.kyem.ky.gov
FEMA
www.boonecountyky.org
American Red Cross
85
Lesson 4- Instructional Resource 4
Are you Prepared?
What are the essential supplies needed to improve chances of survival and safety
during or after an earthquake or other disaster?
What can be assembled as a Disaster Survival Kit at school, home, and in a vehicle for
and earthquake or other disaster?
How can an earthquake evacuation drill increase awareness of
earthquake safety in school and home environments?
How can a family communication plan help my family prepare
for a disaster?
Graphic Credit: arc-salem.org/Get-Prepared/default.asp
102
Why should you prepare for a disaster?
Graphic Credit: squidoo.com
Disasters can happen at any time without warning. You
may need to evacuate your home or go several days
without basic necessities. Rescue and relief workers
may not be able to reach you immediately, so it is your
responsibility to be prepared for any type of disaster,
including an earthquake, severe storms, flooding, or
any other crisis. Being well prepared will help your
family stay safe, overcome challenges, and recover
more effectively after disasters.
103
Common Disasters in Kentucky
•Severe Storms
•Winter Storms
•Flooding
•Tornadoes
•Mudslides
•Landslides
•Rockslides
FEMA
Graphic Credit: climateprogress.org, blogs.smarter.com/gadgets/tag/mp3-players/, worldofstock.com/closeups/TAU4024.php, http://www.michaelsebastian.com/blog/?p=508
104
We are already better prepared at school and
home for potential earthquake hazards. After
a disaster, we may be stranded without power
or need to evacuate our homes. In these
instances, we will need a Disaster Survival Kit
that is ready to use or available to pick up and
take with us.
Graphic Credit: http://www.afterdisaster.com/disastersupplies.htm
105
What are the essential supplies needed
during or shortly after a disaster?
Brainstorm: Let’s brainstorm a list of items
you think will be essential to have in a
Disaster Survival Kit for school, home, or a
vehicle.
http://www.ci.kirkland.wa.us/depart/Fire_and_Building/prepare/PersonalFamilyPreparedness/SupplyKits.htm
106
Brainstorm
Essential items for Disaster Survival Kit
•
•
•
•
•
Graphic Credit” http://www.nhm.ac.uk/business-centre/planning-design-consulting/consulting/index.html
107
Let’s Edit our Lists
Now we need to edit our lists. We will circle the
items on our lists that match these 4 statements.
•This item is something I need to help me survive.
•This item can be easily packed and carried.
•This item has multiple uses.
•This item could help keep me safe in various
disasters or crisis situations.
108
These items are needed to assemble a
School Survival Kit.
Do we need to add other items?
Essential:
Class Roster with
student information
First Aid supplies or kit
Bottled water and
plastic cups
Flashlight and
spare batteries
Other:
Warm blankets
Battery powered radio
Non- perishable
snacks
Paper and pencils
Trash bags
Activities for children
109
Graphic Credit: lvstorytellers.org
Can we assemble a School Survival Kit
for our classroom?
•Do we have a backpack with shoulder straps to hold the
items? (teacher will need hands free when carrying the
kit during an evacuation)
•Which items on our list do we already have in the
classroom or school?
•Which items on our list can be brought from home?
•Which items on our list will we need to purchase?
•Where is the best location to keep the School Survival
Kit in our classroom?
Graphic Credit: textbookrevolution.org
110
These items are needed to assemble a Home Survival
Kit. Do we need to add other items?
Essential:
Non-perishable food (at least 3 day supply per person)
Can opener
Water (at least 1 gallon per person, per day, for 3 days)
Flashlight and spare batteries
First Aid kit
Graphic Credit: clker.com/clipart-home.html
Whistle to signal for help
Soap, toilet paper, toothbrush, or any items to keep you clean
Garbage bags and plastic ties
Forks, spoons, knives, and paper plates
Dust masks to protect against contaminated air
Plastic sheeting and duct tape to create a shelter
Battery Powered Radio
111
Essential Items continued:
Cell phone with charger
Local maps
Copies of ID’s and credit cards
Cash and coins
Warm blankets
Other items:
Eye glasses
Essential medication
Baby food, bottles, and diapers if needed
Pet food if needed
Sleeping bags
Protective clothing, jackets, and sturdy shoes
Small fire extinguisher
Activities for small children
Tools and written instructions for turning off utilities if needed
Copies of insurance policies and bank records
112
These items are needed to assemble a
Vehicle Survival Kit.
Do we need to add other items?
Booster cables
Blankets
Battery Powered Radio
Flashlight with spare batteries
Small Fire Extinguisher
First Aid Kit
Bottled Water
Non- perishable high energy snacks
Local maps
Flares
Tire repair kit and pump
Shovel
Graphic Credit: waxmansrugs.com
113
What emergencies or disasters could we
use the kits for other than earthquakes?
*Tip: Disaster Survival Kits should
be checked and updated 4 times a
year for expired items.
*Our Disaster Survival Kit could be
helpful in various other disasters
or states of emergencies.
*Can you think of a disaster or
emergency, other than an
earthquake, where your Disaster
Survival Kit could also be used?
•Power Outage
•Stranded in a vehicle
•Snow and ice storms
•Tornadoes
•Flooding
•Fire
114
Home and Vehicle Survival Kits
Tonight you will use your home and vehicle
Survival checklists to assemble your Survival
Kits at home. Encourage your family to help
you gather essential items for each kit.
Discuss with your family the importance of
being well prepared for a potential disaster in
order to improve your safety and chances of
survival. It is important that everyone in your
family knows where the kit is located.
115
Family Communication Plan
Tonight you will also develop a Family
Communication Plan that will list contact
information for relatives and friends that can be
used in the event of a disaster. Ask your family to
help you complete this plan. Once completed,
hang it in a safe place where it can easily be
located by every family member. A blank outline
will be provided, which you will complete by
entering contact information that is specific to
your family.
116
Helpful Tip:
Write the name and number of a
family member or friend who
lives at least 100 miles away from
you. Have everyone always carry
this information with them. Use
this contact to reunite with loved
ones or inform each other of
your whereabouts in the event
you are separated during a
disaster.
Graphic Credit: blogs.fayobserver.com
117
How can an earthquake drill increase awareness
of earthquake safety in our school?
On April 28th, 2011 we will
participate in “The Great
Central U.S. ShakeOut” an
eight state Drop, Cover, and
Hold On earthquake drill.
Today we will practice a
Drop, Cover, and Hold On
drill as if we were having a
real Earthquake.
Graphic Credit: newsimg.bbc.co.uk
118
Procedures to Remember
1) Take immediate cover where you are at the first sign
of an earthquake. The first shaking that is felt may
be the foreshock.
2) When you take cover, remember to Drop, Cover, and
Hold On under a table, desk, or counter. If you are
outside, go to an open area away from possible
falling hazards.
3) Once you have taken cover, stay quiet and listen for
directions from an adult.
4) Stay in a safe position until the shaking stops and an
adult gives you instructions to evacuate the building.
As you evacuate, be prepared to feel aftershocks.
120
Evacuation
If we evacuate the building we will follow
our regular fire drill route to our designated
safe outdoor area. While exiting the building
look for things that may become a hazard
during or after an earthquake. This can be
anything that may fall, break, catch fire, or
otherwise pose a risk for injury in the event
of an earthquake. We will discuss these
hazards after the drill, once we are safely
back inside.
121
Earthquake Evacuation Drill
Let’s Practice!
Graphic Credit: phayul.com/news/article.aspx
122
What things did you see during our
evacuation that may become a hazard
during or after an earthquake?
•
•
•
•
•
123
Slide Information Credits
•Ready.gov
•FEMA
•American Red Cross
•Kyem.gov
•Department of Homeland Security
124
Lesson 4-Are you Prepared?
Activity 2
School Survival Kit checklist
Green- Circle items in green that we already have in the classroom or school.
Blue- Circle items in blue that we can bring from home.
Red- Circle items in red that we will need to purchase.




Essential:
Class Roster with student
information
First Aid supplies or kit
Bottled water and plastic cups
Flashlight and spare batteries
Other:
Warm blankets
Battery powered radio
Non- perishable snacks
Paper and pens
Trash bags
Activities for children
___________________
___________________
___________________
135
Lesson 4- Are you Prepared?
Activity 3
Home Survival Kit checklist
Green- Underline items in green that you already have in your home.
Red- Underline items in red that your family will need to purchase.
Essential
Non-perishable food (at least 3 day supply per
person)
Can opener
Water (at least 1 gallon per person, per day, for 3
days
Flashlight and spare batteries
First Aid Kit
Whistle to signal for help
Soap, toilet paper, toothbrush, or any items to keep
you clean
Garbage bags and plastic ties
Forks, spoons, knives, and paper plates
Dust masks to protect against contaminated air
Plastic sheeting and duct tape to create a shelter
Cell phone with charger
Local maps
Copies of ID’s and credit cards
Cash and coins
Other
Eye glasses
Essential medication
Baby food, bottles, and diapers if needed
Pet food if needed
Sleeping bags and warm blankets
Protective clothing, jackets, and sturdy shoes
Small fire extinguisher
Activities for small children
Tools and written instructions for turning off utilities
if needed
Copies of insurance policies and bank records
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
136
Lesson 4- Are you Prepared?
Activity 3
Vehicle Survival Kit checklist
Green- Underline items in green that you already have in your home or vehicle.
Red- Underline items in red that your family will need to purchase.
Essential
Booster cables
Blankets
Battery Powered Radio
Flashlight with spare batteries
Small Fire Extinguisher
First Aid Kit
Bottled Water
Non-perishable high energy snacks
Local maps
Flares
Tire repair kit and pump
Shovel
Other
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
137