Surfing for Earthquakes and Volcanoes

Grade Levels: 6 through 8
Time Requirements:
- Approx. 2-3 hours Prep Time and 5 40-minute periods Class Time (depending on computer experience and knowledge of Earth Sciences)
Student Pre-requisites:
1. Mapping skills, including latitude/longitude, scale and distance.
2. Internet research skills.
3. Knowledge of the theory of continental drift and plate boundary interactions.
Topics Covered by This Lesson: Surfing the Internet; Volcanoes; Earthquakes; Plate Tectonics

Brief Overview: Students use the Internet to research data on earthquakes and volcanoes and plot locations to determine continental plate boundaries. Extensions include interpretation of interaction between plate boundaries, causes of earthquakes and volcanoes, and the comparison of the formation of Olympus Mons on Mars and the Hawaiian volcanic chain.

Unit Features: This lesson contains tailored worksheets and uses unique Internet images and information.

Materials:
1. Computer with access to WWW and printer.
2. Worksheets (Masters included)

Go To The Lesson Plan Content

(Last Update: October 19, 2001)

This Lesson's Objectives


Center for Science Education	Science Education Gateway