Lesson Plans – Earthquakes and Volcanoes
Unit Objectives:
E3.3A Explain how plate tectonics accounts for the features and processes (sea floor
spreading, mid-ocean ridges, subduction zones, earthquakes and volcanoes, mountain
ranges) that occur on or near the Earth’s surface.
E3.4A Use the distribution of earthquakes and volcanoes to locate and determine the types of plate
boundaries
E3.2B Explain how scientist infer that the Earth has internal layers with discernible properties using
patterns of primary (P) and secondary (S) seismic wave arrivals
E3.4B Describe how the sizes of earthquakes and volcanoes are measured or characterized.
E3.4C Describe the effects of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions on humans
E3.4d Explain how the chemical composition of magmas relates to place tectonics and affects the
geometry, structure, and explosivity of volcanoes (not taught to mastery)
Bring your textbook today!
2 Dec: Collect funds for Blanket Activity
Classwork: Plate Tectonics Test.
Classwork/Homework: Read section 7.1 and take notes without using the RSG – due Friday
Vocab: Fault, fault plane, normal fault, reverse fault, strike-slip fault, stress, shear
3 Dec: Collect funds for Blanket Activity
Put up maps – with staples!!!! Tape takes the paint off of the walls!
Log: Fall Colors – last look: http://www.fs.fed.us/fallcolors/2014/index.shtml
Classwork: Complete viewing of these videos: “Greatest Discoveries” video, part 1 (7 min) and part 2 (10
Min - saved in my United Streaming acct) - With questions.
Classwork/Homework: Earthquake Plotting chart (labs, for Fri)
Vocab: Fault, fault plane, normal fault, reverse fault, strike-slip fault, stress
Due: The 7 analysis questions from the front of the lab we completed on Monday (last chance)
4 Dec: P and S wave lab – complete entire lab in class
Homework: Finish lab as needed for tomorrow.
Bring your textbook and RSG today!
5 Dec: PLC Day – Short Classes, also 8th grade music students absent
Log: Compare your Earthquake graphing chart with the 4 people in your normal group. Summarize what
you see, and be prepared to read that summary aloud.
Classwork: Using your notes on 7.1, complete the 7.1 RSG – don’t look at other people’s notes, and don’t
use the book. This is a way to see if you are getting the important info out of the book and not
taking too few or too many notes. Discuss types of faults and relate them to tectonic plate
boundaries (my notes + Elmo).
Due: Notes on 7.1 – Earthquakes Plotting Map (collected from present students), P and S wave lab. (not
collected)
Vocab: Fault, fault plane, normal fault, reverse fault, strike-slip fault, stress, shear
Unit Objectives:
E3.3A Explain how plate tectonics accounts for the features and processes (sea floor spreading, mid-ocean
ridges, subduction zones, earthquakes and volcanoes, mountain ranges) that occur on or near the Earth’s
surface.
E3.4A Use the distribution of earthquakes and volcanoes to locate and determine the types of plate
boundaries
E3.2B Explain how scientist infer that the Earth has internal layers with discernible properties using
patterns of primary (P) and secondary (S) seismic wave arrivals
E3.4B Describe how the sizes of earthquakes and volcanoes are measured or characterized.
E3.4C Describe the effects of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions on humans
E3.4d Explain how the chemical composition of magmas relates to place tectonics and affects the
geometry, structure, and explosivity of volcanoes (not taught to mastery)
8 Dec: Log: 7.1 review from textbook, page 225, # 4-6 – Due Wed (just answer 1-2 in your
head, they should be easy)
Classwork: Catch up with students who were absent last Wed and Fri, discuss the Density lab,
especially questions 2 and 5. Complete the log and the 7.2 RSG in class. Many
students will also need to complete 7.1RSG from last Friday, since they missed the
direction to complete the work (all due on Wed of this week)
Homework for Wed: Finish the lab on P and S waves (portion that asks you to use your
book, but you should already be done). Finish 7.1 and 7.2 RSG as needed.
Due: 7.1 Notes. 7 Questions from the front of the Density lab that were not graded last week due to Band
and Testing events.
9 Dec: Log: Obtain and begin to read the “Earthquake Depths” lab (complete lab in class on Thurs)
Classwork: Discuss unit objectives. Go to computer lab 3 to begin the “P and S Wave Computer Lab
Exercise #1” (goes in ee section, due on Friday).
Homework: Complete parts “A” and “B” of the lab by Friday if you have not already done so.
10Dec: Log: “Seismic Gap Hypothesis” on the back of the “Earthquake Depths” lab handed out yesterday.
Classwork: Discuss the log question. Small groups go over 7.1 and 7.2 RSG. Discuss 7.1 Sec Rev as needed
– especially stress and shear (use “Earthquakes 2014-15 - my version.pptx” powerpoint to help with
this review/discussion). Show key for P and S wave Lab/Slinky Demo.
Due: 7.1 and 7.2 RSG – go over these in small groups while I give credit for 7.1 Sec Rev., 3-6.
Classwork/Homework: View the PowerPoint that explains the lab for tomorrow. (“Earthquake Depths Lab
Directions and Examples” PowerPoint on my website’s home page)
Vocab: Seismic Gap, fault, fault plane, normal fault, reverse fault, strike-slip fault, stress, shear
Collect slips and funds (if available) for Blanket Activity
11 Dec: Classwork: Start the Earthquake Depths lab as soon as you enter the room. Do not forget to
make a hypothesis before starting, and please answer the questions as you go along.
Homework: Finish any remaining lab questions and the graph for class tomorrow.
Don’t forget to sign up for bringing a treat next Friday, if showing off your culinary skills is part of how
you’d like to participate! The shortened link is http://tinyurl.com/oj2opdr (those are lower case O’s,
not zeros)
12 Dec: Classwork: Go to computer lab 3 and complete the work on the “P and S Wave Computer Lab
Exercise #1”. In your spare time, play “Beat The Quake” http://www.dropcoverholdon.org/
Question to answer: Why does California have the “Beat The Quake” game? What is the meaning of Drop,
Cover, and Hold On?
Homework: Finish any part of the computer lab that you have not yet completed – by Monday
Due: Selected portions of the Earthquake Depths lab.
15 Dec: Log: Obtain and go over your Plate Tectonics Test (at long last). Please don’t wrinkle or hole punch
the Apperson form, it has space for one more quiz. As is always the case, you may take it home to
share with your parents, but I need you to bring it back in one piece!
Due: “P and S Wave Computer Lab Exercise #1”
Classwork: Go over the test. List which questions will appear in some form again on an upcoming quiz or
the earthquake test. ______________________________
Classwork, Part 2: Discuss and give credit for “P and S Wave Computer Lab Exercise #1”. Go over the
Earthquake Depths lab and discuss its relationship to what was learned in the plate tectonics unit.
also discuss the graph and the “best fit” line, meaning of slope of the graph.
Homework: “Obtaining Information From Maps” – e.e. – due tomorrow.
Collect slips and funds (if available) for Blanket Activity
16 Dec Log: Look at the transparency that is showing at the front of the room and explain why Parkfield
has such a high probability of having an earthquake by 2018, while right next to it there can be a
segment of very low probability. Use the terms stress, fault, fault plane, and shear in your answer.
Classwork: Discuss log and “Obtaining Information from Maps”. Finish watching “How the Earth
was Made” video, part 1 and discuss related ppt.
Due: “Obtaining Information from Maps”
Vocab: fault plane, normal fault, reverse fault, strike-slip fault.
17 Dec: Log: Look at the website that is up on the screen. Using your knowledge of plate boundaries and
earthquakes, predict the areas that are most likely to have subduction zones (use this site:
http://www.ouramazingplanet.com/3114-world-earthquakes-map.html )
Classwork: Go over log. Continue to discuss and go over the “Earthquakes 2014-15 - my version.pptx”
PowerPoint.
Classwork/Homework: Complete “Ready to Rumble” (labs) in class and as homework. Due tomorrow.
Vocab:
18 Dec: Log: You have a strike-slip fault, a normal fault and a reverse fault, which one(s) should have the
deepest earthquakes? The shallowest? Explain your answer – be sure to use the words subduction,
fault plane, strike slip, normal and reverse in your answer.
Classwork: Discuss log summaries. Check in/discuss “Ready to Rumble”. Complete “Earthquakes –
Structure of the Earth – P Waves and S Waves” as a small/large group.
Vocab: Normal Line, refraction, reflection, electromagnetic waves, focus
19 Dec: Blanket-Making and Animal Shelter Toy-Making Charity Activity
No Homework over the Break. Go Home and Enjoy Being a Kid!
Unit Objectives:
E3.3A Explain how plate tectonics accounts for the features and processes (sea floor spreading, mid-ocean
ridges, subduction zones, earthquakes and volcanoes, mountain ranges) that occur on or near the Earth’s
surface.
E3.4A Use the distribution of earthquakes and volcanoes to locate and determine the types of plate
boundaries
E3.2B Explain how scientist infer that the Earth has internal layers with discernible properties using
patterns of primary (P) and secondary (S) seismic wave arrivals
E3.4B Describe how the sizes of earthquakes and volcanoes are measured or characterized.
E3.4C Describe the effects of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions on humans
E3.4d Explain how the chemical composition of magmas relates to place tectonics and affects the
geometry, structure, and explosivity of volcanoes (not taught to mastery)
5 Jan 2015: Video – Earthquakes, by Bill Nye.
6 Feb 2013 Log: SciShow on YouTube – Can We Predict Earthquakes? ( http://youtu.be/gFB-qpiKccs ). Jot
down notes as he speaks, then summarize what is said about whether or not we can predict
earthquakes.
Classwork: Discuss log. Review for quiz as needed. Complete “Quakes Quiz” which includes
selected items from Section 6.1 Quiz and Post Plate Tec Proj Quiz
Classwork/Homework: P. 235 “Earthquake Energy” – be sure to answer the FOUR questions at the
bottom of the page! – due tomorrow.
7 Feb 2013 Classwork: Bryson Article “Fire Below”– read in class, answer related questions.
Due: P. 235 “Earthquake Energy”
Homework: Begin 7.2 – Read page 226 “When Earth Shakes” – also
answer “Explore” ques on
page 226. (e.e., due tomorrow)
Vocab: Moment Magnitude Scale
8 Feb 2013: Snow Day
11 Feb 2013 MR. C was absent – slight change in plans:
Log: Complete the front of the sheet you picked up on the
way in “Math Support – comparing amounts of energy released
by earthquakes” (skip the back for now)
Classwork: Go over the “Math Support” sheet – front only. As needed:
complete reading the Bill Bryson article “Fire Below,” you have 20 minutes to finish reading this and
answering the questions in class, return the article when you are done! Come to the front and get
your questions checked in when you are done.
Classwork/Homework: 7.2 Review on page 234 (due tomorrow).
End of Class: Go over to the “Explore” questions (page 226) and the questions on P. 235
“Earthquake Energy,” from 6 Feb.
Before 19 Feb: add VEI to your volcano on your Plate Tectonics projects
12 Feb: Singing telegram sales – Phantom Time
Log: Complete back of the “Math Support” sheet from yesterday and discuss it in your groups of 4
while I check in the 7.2 review
Classwork: Discuss Bryson Article and questions. Complete 7.2 RSG – try to do it from memory,
then with your notes (use a different color of ink), then with the text as needed.
Explain extra credit for Arbor Day Foundation Creative Writing Contest – Calkins and Vasich: All K12 students are eligible to submit a creative writing piece of any type and tell us “What Do Trees
Mean To You?” Prizes are available to students, and you can even win trees for your community or
school. Program details and rules can be found on their website at www.miarbordayalliance.com.
Due: 7.2 Review on page 234
Homework: Finish 7.2 RSG as needed
Vocab: seismic waves, epicenter, waves carry energy through a medium, P waves, S waves
13 Feb 2013 Log: “Seismic Gap Hypothesis”
Classwork: Discuss log with your partners. Go over 7.2 RSG as needed. Slinky lab – complete and
discuss.
Due: 7.2 RSG
Vocab: P waves, S waves, L Waves
14 Feb 2013 Log: What are the average speeds of P and S waves? Which materials can a P wave travel
through that an S wave can’t? Make a Venn Diagram to support your answer.
Classwork: Go over last week’s quiz. Start P and S wave calculations – complete “Shake and
Quake.” For more on waves, begin to use ppt, and these sites:
http://www.geology.wisc.edu/courses/g115/quake/waves.html (wave explanation) and
http://phys.org/news/2013-02-deep-roots-catastrophe-partly-molten.html (use of waves to
determine interior structure of earth).
Due: “Shake and Quake”
15 Feb 2013 Discuss “Shake and Quake.” 2013 only – lesson on asteroids, meteors, meteorites
18-19 – Mid-Winter Break – no school
20 Feb 2013 Log: Watch the security camera video of the earthquake starting. Indicate when you can see
the p waves and s waves arriving in the video by the types of shaking that you can see.
Classwork: Complete “Earthquakes – Structure of the Earth – P Waves and S Waves” – complete on
laptops with your partners. Visit USGS site for past 7 days of quakes info and summarize what you
see: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/map/
Due: “Shake and Quake”
Classwork/Homework: “Earthquake Information” graph – due tomorrow.
21 Feb 2013 Log: Complete the problems on the back of the “Earthquake Information” graph
Classwork: In your groups of 4, each of you will explain how you got your answer to a question on
the back of “Earthquake Information” until all of the questions have been answered. Complete
“Epicenter Location” lab with your table partner – show me the results before the end of class for a
lab grade.
Due: “Earthquake Information” graph
Classwork/Homework: “Analyzing Graphs” – try to complete it alone and w/o any notes – it is a
review sheet to let you know what you still need to study to attain our unit goals. (due tomorrow)
Vocab:
22 Feb 2013 Log: Use the “Shake and Quake” and “Earthquake Information” sheets to summarize what
you know about P and S waves. Be sure to use the proper terms in your summary.
Classwork: Discuss summaries and “Analyzing Graphs.” Watch and discuss “Earthquake” video
from LMC.
Due: “Analyzing Graphs”
25 Feb Progress Report Period Ends (available on 27 or 28 Feb if prior years are an indication).
Log: “Solomon Islands Quake” – read and summarize. Use your textbook if you do not remember
the 4 spheres of the earth – you were supposed to learn them a long time ago.
Classwork: Discuss log, relate to island arc and subduction of oceanic crust. Read and discuss
“Tsunami hits Solomons.”
Homework: Questions 10-12 on “Earthquakes, The Richter Scale, and General Safety.” – due
tomorrow
Vocab: Tsunami, spheres of the earth
26 Feb 2013 Log: Use your book to write comparison of the Richter Scale and Moment Magnitude Scale
for earthquakes while you boot up one laptop per table. Pages ____ and ____ in your text will be
helpful.
Classwork: Complete and discuss “Earthquakes, The Richter Scale, and General Safety.” It’s the last
page of your packet. Please change first link in #8 to the following links, the first of which discusses
all major quakes in MI for the past 200 years:
http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/states/michigan/history.php The second site shows the
largest quake in Michigan history:
http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/states/historical_state_mag.php#michigan
Due: Questions 10-12 on “Earthquakes, The Richter Scale, and General Safety.”
Homework: TBD
Vocab: Moment Magnitude Scale, Richter Scale
27 Feb 2013: Snow Day
28 Feb 2013 Log: Why do so many media outlets use the Richter Scale if the Moment
Magnitude Scale is better at describing earthquakes? Explain what is better about
the Moment Magnitude Scale (2 things).
Classwork: Check in and go over “Earthquakes, The Richter Scale, and General
Safety” Watch the videos for the Great California Shake Out – with worksheet.
1st video to watch: http://gallery.usgs.gov/videos/360 2nd video is:
“Preparedness Now” video that is found at multiple sites:
http://www.shakeout.org/california/resources/videos.html or
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w9NtvuiVmw8 work quite well. Watch selected video from
Japan tsunami of 2011 – parts of this link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eeLlySDmjuw&NR=1&feature=endscreen
Due: “Earthquakes, The Richter Scale, and General Safety”
Homework: Study for the quiz – use your packet and notes.
Vocab: Tsunami, ShakeOut, New Madrid fault, lateral fault.
Be sure that you have put the VEI for your volcano on your project!!
BEGIN VOLCANOES – COMPLETE THESE OBJECTIVES:
E3.4 Earthquakes and Volcanoes
Plate motions result in potentially catastrophic events (earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis, mass wasting)
that affect humanity. The intensity of volcanic eruptions is controlled by the chemistry and properties of
the magma. Earthquakes are the result of abrupt movements of the Earth. They generate energy in the
form of body and surface waves.
E3.4A Use the distribution of earthquakes and volcanoes to locate and determine the types of plate
boundaries.
E3.4B Describe how the sizes of earthquakes and volcanoes are measured or characterized.
E3.4C Describe the effects of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions on humans.
1 Mar 2013: Many students will be absent for band and orchestra event – no quiz today. Log: Read
“Tsunami-hit towns forgot warnings from ancestors” (back of these plans) and relate it to the videos
we watched yesterday. Explain what could be done differently in the future.
Classwork: View Earthquake Review PowerPoint and answer questions (will also be posted on my
website). When done, go to the following website and play the Volcanoes and Earthquakes
game:http://www.quia.com/rr/7497.html. There are a couple of questions that I won’t use in class,
especially the one about hanging walls in a fault. Hints – another name for one type of surface
waves is “L waves” which is short for “Love Waves.” Also, a lateral fault is another name for a
strike-slip fault.
Homework: Finish your review.
http://www.sandatlas.org/rock-types/ - use it to redirect kids who ask me things like "which type of rock is
this cool one I found?"
Classwork: Add P and S wave info to Earth’s Layers foldable based on the results of our map and your new
P and S wave knowledge.
Volcanoes
Dec: Log: VIEW the following graph to determine which rocks have the lowest and highest amounts of
Silica (Si) in them and start to relate it to the continental crust vs. oceanic crust (we’ll complete the chart
together). Note that Andesite is named after the Andes Mountains that are found on continental crust in
South America (Info taken from http://www.geology.sdsu.edu/how_volcanoes_work/Controls.html )
MOST COMMON
COMMENTS
SiO2
VOLCANIC LOCATION OF THIS ROCK
MAGMA TYPE
CONTENT
ROCK TYPE (OCEAN OR
What is SiO2 called? __________
CONTINENT)
_________
~50%
Mafic
Basalt
~60%
Intermediate Andesite
~65%
Felsic (low Si) Dacite
~70%
Felsic (high Si) Rhyolite
Use this USGS info to talk about Hawaii lava flow: http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/maps/ Lava image for right now
on Hawaii: http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/maps/uploads/image-177.jpg
Notes: The three main controlling factors on explosivity -- viscosity, temperature, and the amount of
dissolved gases in the magma.
Vocab: Silica content, shield volcano, mafic, felsic, viscosity. Also, in a sense, viscosity is the inverse
of fluidity – another new vocab word.
19 Dec 2014: Make blankets for charity and eat snacks in my room all day, with Mr. Senecal’s classes.
Homework: Seriously? What does the word “vacation” mean? Enjoy your time off and come back
ready to work!
7 Jan 2013 HAPPY NEW YEAR, WELCOME BACK!
Classwork: “How the Earth was Made” – Part 1, with discussion – link: http://documentariesplus.blogspot.com/2011/02/how-earth-was-made.html
Vocab: Stromatolite, protoplanet, cataclysm
Classwork: “How the Earth was Made” – Part 2, with discussion – end at roughly 45 minute mark
Vocab/details: Rift, volcanism, banded iron formations (BIF – like northern Michigan).
Rodinia (1.0 Ga = 1.0 bya), snowball earth (700 Ma = 700 mya or .7 Ga ago – it
ended 630 Ma ago when Rodinia broke apart). Cambrian explosion of life, ozone
layer as UV shield 400 Ma ago, removal of iron from the oceans – oceans turn
blue, removal of CO2 from the atmosphere – replaced by oxygen – sky turns
blue, formation of an oxygen atmosphere, coprolite
23 Jan 2013 Classwork: “How the Earth was Made” – Part 3, with discussion – and PowerPoint
presentation.
Homework: Finish the Earthquake graphing chart for next week.
Vocab: TBD
29 Jan
30 Jan 2013
Classwork:
Due:
Homework:
Vocab:
Due:
31 Jan 2013 Log:
29 Jan 2013 Classwork: Using your notes on 7.1, complete the 7.1 RSG – don’t look at other people’s
notes, and don’t use the book. This is a way to see if you are getting the important info out of the
book and not taking too few or too many notes. Discuss types of faults and relate them to tectonic
plate boundaries (my notes + Elmo). Begin fault lab – obtain the plates (wood blocks) and draw as
many different pictures as possible to illustrate how the plates can move in relationship to one
another.
Due: Notes on 7.1 – Earthquakes
Classwork/Homework: Be sure that you come to class with the back page of your Ch. 6 Test Review
and the
Vocab: Fault, fault plane, normal fault, reverse fault, strike-slip fault, stress, shear
30 Jan 2013 Log: As you look around the Pacific’s “Ring of Fire,” what plate boundary do you expect to be
present where the biggest earthquakes and volcanoes occur? Use the projects today to defend
your answer.
Classwork: Finish discussing RSG 7.1 & 7.1 review ques, especially vocab: “stress” and “shear.”
Complete Fault Lab from yesterday, compare and discuss selected groups’ drawings using elmo.
Complete the viewing and recording of the quakes & volcanoes from the Plate Tectonics Projects
displayed in room/hall – use last page of Post Plate Tec Test Review packet. Compare results to
those on “World Plotting Map”
Due: “World Plotting Map” from last week. Earthquake and volcano graph from today.
Homework: “Obtaining Information From Maps” – e.e. – due tomorrow.
Vocab: stress, shear
31 Jan 2013 Log: Look at the transparency that is showing at the front of the room and explain why
Parkfield has such a high probability of having an earthquake by 2018, while right next to it there
can be a segment of very low probability. Use the terms stress, fault, fault plane, and shear in your
answer.
Classwork: Discuss log and “Obtaining Information from Maps”. Finish watching “How the Earth
was Made” video and discuss ppt.
Homework: View the video that explains the lab for tomorrow. (on my website)
Due: “Obtaining Information from Maps”
Vocab: fault plane, normal fault, reverse fault, strike-slip fault
1 Feb 2013 Classwork: Begin “Earthquake Depths” lab that you viewed the directions
for last night.
Homework: “Earthquake Depths” graph – labs – due tomorrow – please
note that the X axis should read “Latitude, Degrees North” (instead of West).
4 Feb 2013 SEATING CHARTS AND STUDENT NUMBERS
Log: Look at the website that is up on the screen. Using your knowledge of plate
boundaries and earthquakes, predict the areas that are most likely to have subduction zones (use
this site: http://www.ouramazingplanet.com/3114-world-earthquakes-map.html )
Classwork: Go over log. Students finish lab while I check in “Earthquake Depths” graph (must have
the dots on the graph). Finish/discuss graph and “best fit” line, meaning of slope of the graph.
Discuss lab results. Finish project viewing for quakes.
Classwork/Homework: Answer and discuss the lab questions in your groups.
Due: “Earthquake Depths” graph.
Homework: Study for quiz – use the “Review – Types of Faults” sheet (use stress and shear in your
answers).
Vocab: New Madrid Fault
5 Feb 2013 Log: You have a strike-slip fault, a normal fault and a reverse fault, which one(s) should have
the deepest earthquakes? The shallowest? Explain your answer – be sure to use the words
subduction, fault plane, strike slip, normal and reverse in your answer.
Classwork: Discuss log summaries. Complete the block lab from last week – include drawings on
your “Review – Types of Faults” sheet. Review for quiz - discuss “Ready to Rumble” Finish video as
needed.
6 Feb 2013 Log: SciShow on YouTube – Can We Predict Earthquakes? ( http://youtu.be/gFB-qpiKccs ). Jot
down notes as he speaks, then summarize what is said about whether or not we can predict
earthquakes.
Classwork: Discuss log. Review for quiz as needed. Complete “Quakes Quiz” which includes
selected items from Section 6.1 Quiz and Post Plate Tec Proj Quiz
Classwork/Homework: P. 235 “Earthquake Energy” – be sure to answer the FOUR questions at the
bottom of the page! – due tomorrow.
7 Feb 2013 Classwork: Bryson Article “Fire Below”– read in class, answer related questions.
Due: P. 235 “Earthquake Energy”
Homework: Begin 7.2 – Read page 226 “When Earth Shakes” – also answer “Explore” ques on page
226. (e.e., due tomorrow)
Vocab: Moment Magnitude Scale
8 Feb 2013: Snow Day
11 Feb 2013 MR. C was absent – slight change in plans:
Log: Complete the front of the sheet you picked up on the way in “Math
Support – comparing amounts of energy released by earthquakes” (skip the
back for now)
Classwork: Go over the “Math Support” sheet – front only. As needed:
complete reading the Bill Bryson article “Fire Below,” you have 20 minutes to finish reading this and
answering the questions in class, return the article when you are done! Come to the front and get
your questions checked in when you are done.
Classwork/Homework: 7.2 Review on page 234 (due tomorrow).
End of Class: Go over to the “Explore” questions (page 226) and the questions on P. 235
“Earthquake Energy,” from 6 Feb.
Before 19 Feb: add VEI to your volcano on your Plate Tectonics projects
12 Feb: Singing telegram sales – Phantom Time
Log: Complete back of the “Math Support” sheet from yesterday and discuss it in your groups of 4
while I check in the 7.2 review
Classwork: Discuss Bryson Article and questions. Complete 7.2 RSG – try to do it from memory,
then with your notes (use a different color of ink), then with the text as needed.
Explain extra credit for Arbor Day Foundation Creative Writing Contest – Calkins and Vasich: All K12 students are eligible to submit a creative writing piece of any type and tell us “What Do Trees
Mean To You?” Prizes are available to students, and you can even win trees for your community or
school. Program details and rules can be found on their website at www.miarbordayalliance.com.
Due: 7.2 Review on page 234
Homework: Finish 7.2 RSG as needed
Vocab: seismic waves, epicenter, waves carry energy through a medium, P waves, S waves
13 Feb 2013 Log: “Seismic Gap Hypothesis”
Classwork: Discuss log with your partners. Go over 7.2 RSG as needed. Slinky lab – complete and
discuss.
Due: 7.2 RSG
Vocab: P waves, S waves, L Waves
14 Feb 2013 Log: What are the average speeds of P and S waves? Which materials can a P wave travel
through that an S wave can’t? Make a Venn Diagram to support your answer.
Classwork: Go over last week’s quiz. Start P and S wave calculations – complete “Shake and
Quake.” For more on waves, begin to use ppt, and these sites:
http://www.geology.wisc.edu/courses/g115/quake/waves.html (wave explanation) and
http://phys.org/news/2013-02-deep-roots-catastrophe-partly-molten.html (use of waves to
determine interior structure of earth).
Due: “Shake and Quake”
15 Feb 2013 Discuss “Shake and Quake.” 2013 only – lesson on asteroids, meteors, meteorites
18-19 – Mid-Winter Break – no school
20 Feb 2013 Log: Watch the security camera video of the earthquake starting. Indicate when you can see
the p waves and s waves arriving in the video by the types of shaking that you can see.
Classwork: Complete “Earthquakes – Structure of the Earth – P Waves and S Waves” – complete on
laptops with your partners. Visit USGS site for past 7 days of quakes info and summarize what you
see: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/map/
Due: “Shake and Quake”
Classwork/Homework: “Earthquake Information” graph – due tomorrow.
21 Feb 2013 Log: Complete the problems on the back of the “Earthquake Information” graph
Classwork: In your groups of 4, each of you will explain how you got your answer to a question on
the back of “Earthquake Information” until all of the questions have been answered. Complete
“Epicenter Location” lab with your table partner – show me the results before the end of class for a
lab grade.
Due: “Earthquake Information” graph
Classwork/Homework: “Analyzing Graphs” – try to complete it alone and w/o any notes – it is a
review sheet to let you know what you still need to study to attain our unit goals. (due tomorrow)
Vocab:
22 Feb 2013 Log: Use the “Shake and Quake” and “Earthquake Information” sheets to summarize what
you know about P and S waves. Be sure to use the proper terms in your summary.
Classwork: Discuss summaries and “Analyzing Graphs.” Watch and discuss “Earthquake” video
from LMC.
Due: “Analyzing Graphs”
25 Feb Progress Report Period Ends (available on 27 or 28 Feb if prior years are an indication).
Log: “Solomon Islands Quake” – read and summarize. Use your textbook if you do not remember
the 4 spheres of the earth – you were supposed to learn them a long time ago.
Classwork: Discuss log, relate to island arc and subduction of oceanic crust. Read and discuss
“Tsunami hits Solomons.”
Homework: Questions 10-12 on “Earthquakes, The Richter Scale, and General Safety.” – due
tomorrow
Vocab: Tsunami, spheres of the earth
26 Feb 2013 Log: Use your book to write comparison of the Richter Scale and Moment Magnitude Scale
for earthquakes while you boot up one laptop per table. Pages ____ and ____ in your text will be
helpful.
Classwork: Complete and discuss “Earthquakes, The Richter Scale, and General Safety.” It’s the last
page of your packet. Please change first link in #8 to the following links, the first of which discusses
all major quakes in MI for the past 200 years:
http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/states/michigan/history.php The second site shows the
largest quake in Michigan history:
http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/states/historical_state_mag.php#michigan
Due: Questions 10-12 on “Earthquakes, The Richter Scale, and General Safety.”
Homework: TBD
Vocab: Moment Magnitude Scale, Richter Scale
27 Feb 2013: Snow Day
28 Feb 2013 Log: Why do so many media outlets use the Richter Scale if the Moment
Magnitude Scale is better at describing earthquakes? Explain what is better about
the Moment Magnitude Scale (2 things).
Classwork: Check in and go over “Earthquakes, The Richter Scale, and General
Safety” Watch the videos for the Great California Shake Out – with worksheet.
1st video to watch: http://gallery.usgs.gov/videos/360 2nd video is:
“Preparedness Now” video that is found at multiple sites:
http://www.shakeout.org/california/resources/videos.html or
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w9NtvuiVmw8 work quite well. Watch selected video from
Japan tsunami of 2011 – parts of this link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eeLlySDmjuw&NR=1&feature=endscreen
Due: “Earthquakes, The Richter Scale, and General Safety”
Homework: Study for the quiz – use your packet and notes.
Vocab: Tsunami, ShakeOut, New Madrid fault, lateral fault.
Be sure that you have put the VEI for your volcano on your project!!
BEGIN VOLCANOES – COMPLETE THESE OBJECTIVES:
E3.4 Earthquakes and Volcanoes
Plate motions result in potentially catastrophic events (earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis, mass wasting)
that affect humanity. The intensity of volcanic eruptions is controlled by the chemistry and properties of
the magma. Earthquakes are the result of abrupt movements of the Earth. They generate energy in the
form of body and surface waves.
E3.4A Use the distribution of earthquakes and volcanoes to locate and determine the types of plate
boundaries.
E3.4B Describe how the sizes of earthquakes and volcanoes are measured or characterized.
E3.4C Describe the effects of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions on humans.
1 Mar 2013: Many students will be absent for band and orchestra event – no quiz today. Log: Read
“Tsunami-hit towns forgot warnings from ancestors” (back of these plans) and relate it to the videos
we watched yesterday. Explain what could be done differently in the future.
Classwork: View Earthquake Review PowerPoint and answer questions (will also be posted on my
website). When done, go to the following website and play the Volcanoes and Earthquakes
game:http://www.quia.com/rr/7497.html. There are a couple of questions that I won’t use in class,
especially the one about hanging walls in a fault. Hints – another name for one type of surface
waves is “L waves” which is short for “Love Waves.” Also, a lateral fault is another name for a
strike-slip fault.
Homework: Finish your review.
Tsunami-hit towns forgot warnings from ancestors
April 06, 2011|Jay Alabaster, Associated Press
http://articles.boston.com/2011-04-06/news/29389325_1_tsunami-sea-walls-leak-of-radioactive-
water
In this March 31, 2011 photo, A centuries-old… (AP Photo/Vincent Yu)
Modern sea walls failed to protect coastal towns from Japan’s destructive tsunami last month. But in the
hamlet of Aneyoshi, a single centuries-old tablet saved the day.
“High dwellings are the peace and harmony of our descendants,’’ the stone slab reads. “Remember the
calamity of the great tsunamis. Do not build any homes below this point.’’
It was advice the dozen or so households of Aneyoshi heeded, and their homes emerged unscathed from a
disaster that flattened low-lying communities elsewhere and killed thousands along Japan’s northeastern
shore.
Hundreds of such markers dot the coastline, some more than 600 years old. Collectively they form a crude
warning system for Japan, whose long coasts along major fault lines have made it a repeated target of
earthquakes and tsunamis over the centuries.
4 Mar 2013: 8th grade Explore Testing, 7th grade other activities – 40 minute classes
DON’T FORGET TO BRING YOUR TEXTBOOK AND RSG TO CLASS
Classwork: Earthquakes – end of unit quiz.
Homework: Complete 8.2 RSG for tomorrow.
Vocab: Volcano, magma, lava, pyroclastic flow, shield volcano, composite
volcano (stratovolcano), cinder cone, caldera.
5 Mar 2013: 8th grade Explore Testing, 7th grade other activities – 25 minute classes
Log: Students work in groups of 3-4 to share answers to Section 8.2 RSG, then use text and RSG as
needed to write a summary of each of the 3 main types of volcanoes (characteristics of each type
and the locations of where they are most likely to be found – mention relationship of the volcanoes
to tectonic plates for each type of volcano in the summary!) Read and answer the questions on
“Three Kinds of Volcanoes” (in packet) to help you with these summaries as well (be sure to add
“stratovolcano” to the correct volcano)
Classwork: Discuss 8.2 RSG and log question. Hand out and begin Volcano Packet.
Homework: Read and summarize (4 sentences MAXIMUM) “Krakatoa: The Blast Heard ‘Round the
World”
Due: 8.2 RSG
6 Mar 2013: Meet in Lab 7! Also - Locker Cleanout!
Log: While the computers are booting up, use your notes to answer 1-3 and 5 on page 269 (8.2
Review)
Classwork: Discuss log and Krakatoa article summaries. Complete “Volcanoes Computer Lab
Assignment”
Homework: Use the lab to EXPLAIN the relationship of silica content to explosivity of volcanoes.
Also, decide whether granitic crust or basaltic crust will have more silica in it and EXPLAIN your
reasoning.
Vocab: Active, extinct, dormant, silica, composite volcano (stratovolcano), cinder cone
7 Mar 2013: Log: Discuss your answers to last night’s homework (in your groups of 3-4)
Classwork: Use the projects in the room and hallway to gather the VEIs, locations (with type of
boundary that is nearby), and dates for 10 volcanos, summarize their relationship to the Ring of Fire
(if located near it) and the types of boundaries (O-O, O-C or C-C + convergent/divergent/transform)
near the volcanoes in a well-constructed paragraph or two – hand this in to Mr. C – Today!
Classwork/Homework Read “Top 5 Ways Volcanoes Can Kill You” and create 2-column notes with
the title of each section in the column on the left side and notes in the column on the right side – at
least 2 details per way they can kill you – due tomorrow.
Due: Your VEI must be on your volcano for your part of the project today!
Vocab: Lahar, Pyroclastic Flow, Tsunami, Landslide, Cataclysmic
8 Mar 2013: Mr. C Absent, also many 7th and 8th graders absent for choir event
PLC Day – Short Classes
Log: Go back and draw a picture to represent each term in your two-column notes for “Top 5 Ways
. . .” assignment. Be sure to label each picture! (8-10 Minutes)
Classwork: (5-10 minutes) In your groups of 4, share your pictures and discuss your notes for “Top
5 Ways Volcanoes Can Kill You” – then turn in your assignment. (10 Min) Complete “Crater?
Caldera?/Volcanic Eruptions” Go over answers at end of class – use projector (5 min).
Due: 2 Column notes for “Top 5 Ways Volcanoes Can Kill You” – immediately after creating
drawings for log question.
Homework: RSG on 8.3
Vocab: Crater, caldera, silica, volcanic gases
11 Mar 2013: Log: While the laptops are booting up, use 8.3 in your RSG and the book to answer 1-3 and 6
on page 278 (8.3 Review)
Classwork: Discuss log. Complete “Supervolcano! Webquest” If time: Watch 3 min video – “What
Are The Odds of A Supervolcano Explosion?”
Homework: Finish “Supervolcano! Webquest” if you are not done by the end of class. – due
tomorrow
Vocab: Mantle plume (hotspot), supervolcano, crater, VEI, ash
12 Mar 2013: Mr. C at MACAT Selection – all day – CHS
Log: “Label The Volcano!” – in packet
Classwork: Go over log answers. Collect “Supervolcano! Webquest.” Watch “Volcano” 23 min
video from the LMC. Answer questions on movie sheet in your packet. Go over the answers to the
video worksheet before the end of class.
Due: “Supervolcano! Webquest”
Homework: “How do the profiles of different volcanoes vary?” Be sure to add the label “composite
volcano” in the right spot! – complete this work for tomorrow.
Vocab:
13 Mar 2013: Mr. C in accreditation training – Lathrup Village
Log: Look at the projector to check your answers for “How do the profiles of different volcanoes
vary?”
Classwork: Complete lab: “Some Go ‘Pop,’ Some Do Not”. Define “viscosity” in your notes.
Due: “How do the profiles of different volcanoes vary?”
Classwork/Homework: “Volcanoes in the United States” – due at the start of the next class period.
Vocab: Viscosity
14 Mar 2013: No School - 1-4 and 5:30 to 8:30 PM - Conferences
15 Mar 2013: Log: Watch the minute or so of the “Thin Lava Video” and explain where such a video might
have been made and what sort of silica content and gases would be present in such a volcano.
Classwork/Homework: Discuss “Volcanoes in the United States.” Read “Dangerous Beauty” and
answer the associated questions. Finish for homework, as needed.
Due: “Volcanoes in the United States”
18 Mar 2013: Log: While laptops boot up, complete “8.3 Reinforcing Key Concepts” (review)
Classwork: Go over log. Complete and discuss “How Big Are Volcanic Eruptions?” - Be sure to
define cataclysmic and paroxysmal.
Due: “Dangerous Beauty” questions.
Classwork/Homework: “8.2 Challenge and Extension” (review)
19 Mar 2013: Log: What is the relationship between continental and oceanic crust, silica content, and the
typical locations of shield and composite volcanoes?
Due: “8.2 Challenge and Extension”
Classwork: “Volcanoes Jeopardy” review for test
20 Mar 2013: Mr. C absent for training on new curriculum (At Central Office)
Log:
Classwork: Create a Large (11x17) Venn that details the similarities and differences, characteristics,
locations, drawings – with shape, silica content, examples, size, severity/explosivity, how they can
kill you, etc. of the 3 main types of volcanoes (Try to do this w/o your data charts! Use one color for
the stuff you remembered, another for the stuff you had to look up – will help you decide what to
study next week)
Due:
Vocab:
Plans end here for now
Mar 2013: Log: Why can’t you have a lahar on a dry composite volcano like Krakatoa? What would it take
to get a lahar on such a mountain?
Classwork: Show Lahar Video (2 Min) – discuss log. Show Pyroclastic flow videos and Mt. St Helens
videos (4 min + 2min).
Due:
Classwork:
Vocab:
Mar 2013: Log:
Classwork:
Due:
Homework:
Vocab:
Classwork: Watch the movie “Dante’s Peak” in class, answer related questions and discuss errors and
misconceptions in movie. Use laptops to access the materials on misconceptions and accuracies (in my
outbox). Take “test” on Dante’s material (not for credit, just to check for understanding prior to test).
Classwork: Discuss pre-video ques, related objectives. Watch “Heavy Metals” video (my copy) and answer
video questions (e.e.). Discuss video as we go along – add vocab and nuclear power info. Vocab: Smelting,
Malleable, Ductile.
Log: What is the difference in purity between uranium for nuclear power and uranium for nuclear
weapons? Can yellowcake (uranium ore) and nuclear fuel pellets be handled without killing you?
Classwork: Finish Watching Heavy Metals video and discussing related questions as we go along. Vocab:
Yellowcake, Alloys, Semiconductor, NIMBY, others TBD.
Log: Post-Video Question: What were the main ideas of the video and how do they relate to our
curriculum?
Classwork: Create “Cootie Catchers” for our vocab words: Shield Volcano, Cinder Cone, Composite
Volcano, Pyroclastic Flow, Fumarole, Geyser, Smelting, Caldera. Put a picture-related question in the box
and another question on the lines in the middle of the catcher. Quiz one-another.
31 Jan: Volcano test. Begin Geologic Time.