Resources

VOCABULARY

Aftershock - Smaller earthquake that follows a larger oneEarthquakeShaking of the ground as a result of movements in the Earth’s crust

Epicentre - Point on the Earth’s surface directly above an earthquake’s focusFocusPoint of origin of an earthquake

Magnitude - Number that quantifies the size of an earthquake

Richter scale - Estimates the energy released from waves generated by an earthquake

Seismograph - An instrument that measures earthquake waves

Tsunami - A large ocean wave caused by an earthquake or other disturbance

Waves - Energy that is released in an earthquake (up-down or side-to-side motion)

RESOURCES/LINKS

Structure of the Earth – Take a journey to the centre of the Earth and learn about the layers inside our planet (revealed by studying earthquake waves).

Top 5 Earthquake resistant structures around the world – Examples of five buildings which take earthquake engineering to another level.

Best structure building activities for kids STEM projects – Fun and challenging structural building activities with simple materials (toothpicks, marshmallows, playdough, LEGO).

Earthquakes for kids (USGS) – A thorough resource covering the science of earthquakes, animations, career profiles, facts and ‘today in earthquake history’.

VIDEO: Earthquakes 101 (National Geographic) – Explore and experience the forces that shape the world around us.

VIDEO: Earthquakes (Behind the News) – A look at the difference between the 2010 Haiti and Chile earthquakes. Includes full transcript and teacher resources.

VIDEO: What is an Earthquake? – The Dr. Bionics Show (cartoon) that includes facts and details about earthquakes.

VIDEO: Shaken up by Japanese earthquake– Story about a 13-year-old boy who experienced the 2011 Japanese Earthquake and resulting Tsunami.

VIDEO: How to construct stronger buildings – From Fun Kids Inspiring Engineers. An example of how to construct stronger foundations using cups.

VIDEO: What is engineering? (UON) – This short video explains engineering through animation – from mobile phones and computer games to toothpaste.

VIDEO: The cool maths behind engineering (UON) – Discover the role maths plays in all kinds of unexpected place

Watch VIDEO – “What is Engineering”?

The above resources have been sourced from The University of Newcastle