Seismology in the Classroom
Students learn about seismology by using a sample seismograph constructed out of common classroom materials. The seismograph creates a seismogram based on vibrations caused by moving a ruler. The students work in groups to represent an engineering firm that must analyze the seismograph for how it works and how to read the seismogram it creates.
Seismographs measure the magnitude of an earthquake.Copyright Wikimedia Commons http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:1906_San_Francisco_earthquake_seismograph.png
Engineers often invent new machines to use as measurement tools. To protect people from the potential devastation caused by earthquakes, engineers designed special machines that can sense seismic waves given off from an earthquake, causing a needle to vibrate back and forth over a piece of paper, creating a seismograph. From seismographs, engineers and scientists determine the strength or magnitude of an earthquake, from which they can make predictions.
After this activity, students should be able to:
- Understand how a seismograph works to measure the magnitude of an earthquake.
- Understand how and why engineers use a seismograph.
- Discuss methods to improve and re-engineer the model seismograph.
- Describe how a seismogram can help a community.