Essential Questions: Answer on a separate sheet of paper and attach to Unit Outline.
1. Explain the differences in finding the density
of a block, marble and penny.
Block: Find the mass with a triple-beam balance.
Find the volume by multiplying the length x width x
height. Divide mass by volume.
Marble: Find the mass by placing the marble in a
cup, subtract out the cups mass. Find the volume
using the “volume by difference” method in a
graduated cylinder. Divide mass by volume.
Penny: Find the mass using a triple-beam balance.
Find the volume using the “volume by difference”
method in a graduated cylinder. Divide mass by
volume.
2. Will a dry sponge have the same density as a
wet one? Explain.
No, the wet one will be more dense, because it
will have more mass per volume.
3. How can you determine if something will sink
or float in water?
If the objects density is greater than 1, it will sink, if
its density is less than 1, it will float.
4. Compare and Contrast p, s, and surface
waves. (shape, speed, what they can travel
through, etc)
P-waves: Move back and forth parallel to the
direction of the wave (slinky), fastest wave, and
can travel through liquids and solids.
S-waves: Move at right angles to the direction of
the wave (rope), 2nd fastest wave, and cannot
travel through liquid, only solid.
Surface waves: Slowest wave and cause the most
damage. Only travel on the surface of the Earth.
5. How do scientists know what the inside of the
Earth is made of? Describe in detail. (hint: your
answer should say something about the “shadow
zone”)
Scientists use the changes in speed and direction
of seismic waves to determine the inside of the
Earth. S-waves stop at the outer core (true liquid
layer) and p-waves will slow down and bend. Both
of these waves behavior end up creating the
shadow zone on either side of the focus on the
opposite side of the Earth, where no waves are
detected by a seismograph.
6. What causes an earthquake to occur?
An EQ occurs due to the breaking and/or shifting of
rock beneath the Earth’s surface.
7. Can Earthquakes be predicted? Why or why
not?
No, there is no way to know exactly when the rock
will break/shift, but scientists can use past data to
identify high risk locations.
8. Where do most earthquakes occur in the US?
West coast and where fault lines are present.
9. Describe how scientists measure earthquakes
(Richter scale vs Mercalli Intensity Scale)
The Richter scale is measured by magnitude
(energy released) and the Mercalli scale is
measured by damage/intensity.
10. Explain why a person who is standing outside
in an open field is relatively safe during a strong
earthquake.
No heavy objects or glass could be projected to
harm the person during the earthquake.
11. List 3 ways to make our classroom or home
more earthquake-safe.
Moorings, turn off water, electricity and gas, take
heavy objects from high shelves and place them
on lower shelves, and stay away from glass
windows or doors.
12. Name 3 main ways earthquakes cause
damage. Geologic damage, Building destruction,
liquefaction, tsunamis, bridges and highways
crack or get demolished.
13. How can you determine the epicenter of an
earthquake/what information do you need?
Find the time difference between the p and s
waves for 3 stations, use the time travel graph to
determine the distance to the epicenter from
each station, draw circles around each station
with the distance being the radius, and find
where all circles intersect.
14. What is a tsunami and what causes it?
A tsunami is caused by an earthquake occurring
in the oceanic crust creating a large wave.
15. Robert says that our Earth is just one big rock.
Do you agree or disagree? Explain your answer.
No, the only true rock layers are the crust and
upper mantle (lithosphere). Below that is the
asthenosphere in the mantle which is made of “hot
rock” and a more dense layer in the bottom of the
mantle. The next layer is the Outer core, the only
“true liquid” layer made of metal. The center of
the earth is the most dense solid, the inner core,
which is also a metal.