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Seismic Sensor Model

Seismic Sensor Model

How are earthquakes detected and measured? Students will learn about seismology and make model of a seismograph.

Lesson Plan

Supplies Needed

Gather all the supplies needed to bring your craft ideas to life! From paints and markers to glue and scissors, our crafts section has everything to spark creativity and make every project truly special.

  • Recycled Cardboard Box
  • Rubber Band(s)

Steps

  • Step 1

    Have students learn about the science and causes of earthquakes. Ask them to research tectonic plates (gigantic unconnected slabs of rock that lie below the Earth's crust) and what causes these plates to shift. Introduce the subject of seismology - the study of earthquakes - and how scientists can detect where they will occur and how strong they are using a measure called the Richter scale.

  • Step 2

    A seismograph is an instrument that measures and records the waves that cause underground movement during an earthquake. It uses electromagnetic sensors to translate ground motions into electrical changes and records the results. Students can make a model of one using a recycled shoe box.

  • Step 3

    Have them cut two slits in the bottom of the long sides of the box which is where the recording paper will go. They can write some facts about earthquakes to attach inside the box above and below the slits. Attach two rubber bands around the box leaving the area with the slits accessible. Then have them cut a long strip of paper and insert it into the slits. Place a marker between the two rubber bands and use another rubber band or twist tie to attach the marker to the rubber bands so that it rests lightly on the paper and records responses to the box's movement.

  • Step 4

    Students can work in pairs and take turns, having one person move the box gently and then more vigorously while the other slowly pulls the paper through to see how the movement is recorded.

Standards

SCI: Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information based on evidence.

SCI: Convey designs through sketches, detailed drawings, or physical models to communicate ideas and solutions.

Adaptations

Students can learn about some of the waves produced by an earthquake and then demonstrate them using a Slinky®. Have two students each hold an end of a slinky. Have student #1 pull it out further and then push it toward student #2. The wave will travel from #1 to #2 depicting a compression wave, the fastest of the earthquake waves. Now have both students pull the slinky at the same time while moving it up and down in a circular motion. This is a Rayleigh wave, which transmits energy from the epicenter of the earthquake.

Fault lines are fractures in the Earth's crust where blocks of land have moved past each other. When stress builds up along these lines it causes an earthquake. Have students research some of the world's major fault lines and where the are, such as the San Andreas Fault in California and the Japan Trench off the east coast of Japan.