I’ve only had a few direct experiences with an earthquake (one each in Oakland, CA, Seattle, WA, and Columbus, OH), and yet this past week, California citizens experienced 4 earthquakes that rattled a number of locations, and one of the earthquakes triggered a tsunami warning. A number of geologists were interviewed on national TV networks, were asked about the science of predicting earthquakes. The science of seismology advances as new technologies emerge and the theory of plate tectonics is more fully understood. Perhaps the most important advance has been in the area of “earthquake preparadeness.” Earthquakes in the science currciulum can contribute to citizens’ understanding of the science and societal implications of tremors, and help them gain a deeper understanding of the planet earth. Several years ago, I wrote an online earthquake activity as a result of an earthquake that occured in Turkey in 1999. One key site that I came across was the Global Earthquake Response Center. You might want to check it out, and notice how the site might help teachers in the development and planning of earthquake lessons. What do you think?
