H E L E N   K E L L E R  M I D D L E  S C H O O L
360 Sport Hill Road, Easton, CT 06612
Telephone:  203-268-8651
Fax:  203-268-6105

One can never consent to creep when one feels an impulse to soar...Helen A. Keller

 

Earthquakes ... and the evolving earth!

Ms. Klein and Mrs. Maggi
March and April


 

Project Expectations and
Interdisciplinary Connections
Student Work Rubric Websites
TASK:
As the subject-matter expert, you are going to design a project that highlights earthquakes and safety precautions. You want your presentation to be accurate and creative.

Each person will take on the role of a different scientist. Your job will require you to find out as much as you can about your topic. You will become an expert in your field. It will be very important that you work as hard as possible to find your information. After doing the research in each area, each student will make an oral presentation of his findings.

Suggestions for final products include a Powerpoint presentation, a video created using the Flip cameras, Photostory, pamphlets, a game, and diorama.  For other options, you must confirm with teacher for approval.

Requirements:

  • All spelling must be accurate
  • Images must be downloaded and saved properly
  • Images must be properly cited, using Citation Machine
  • Facts must be properly cited, using Citation Machine
  • Files must be saved in the correct location on the Network
  • Powerpoint presentations must follow the 6 x 6 x rule
  • Timeframe must be followed
  • Proper presentation skills must be used for the presentation

Seismologist- A scientist that studies the movement of the crust.

  • It will be your job to find about the scales used to measure earthquakes and seismographs and seismographs.

  • You will also need to find out about the seismic waves associated with earthquakes.

  • Finally, you will describe how the energy of an earthquake travels through earth using the terms epicenter and focus.

  • Explain the Richter scale, the Moment Magnitude scale and the Mercalli scale.

Geologist- A scientist that studies the forces those make and shape the earth.

  • It will be your job to define what an earthquake is and how the energy travels through the crust.  You will need to find out about plate tectonics and how they relate to earthquakes and aftershocks.

  • It will be your job to define what an earthquake is an how the energy travels through the crust.  You will need to find out about plate tectonics and how they relate to earthquakes and aftershocks.

  • You will need to be able to describe how plate tectonics determine where earthquake zones occur.

  • Examine the relationship between earthquakes and global warming.

  • Tsunamis and how they develop.

Safety Expert - Examines different areas, then makes suggestions on changes that will reduce earthquake damage.

  • It will be your job to research how to be safe before, during and after an earthquake hits.

  • Then you will need to make recommendations for earthquake preparations.

  • List preparations that should be made by citizens in earthquake zones.

Historian - Records interesting facts about earthquakes.

  • You will research facts and folklore about earthquakes.

  • Find out where the most powerful earthquake occurred, where they have occurred in the U.S., and other interesting facts.

Be sure to include information about the following:

  • Tsunamis and how they develop.
  • Explain the Richter scale, the Moment Magnitude scale and the Mercalli scale.
  • List preparations that should be made by citizens in earthquake zones.
  • Your group should have three sources of information, one is a book.

    Video streaming is available.

    Include pictures, charts, and audio.

    You will be graded using a rubric.


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