Whose Fault Is It?

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In this seismic simulation, learners play a "who-dunnit" game to explore earthquakes. Learners act as the source, carriers, and detectors of earthquake waves, while the group determines who the secret starter of an earthquake is by applying some basic principles of seismology. Learners are introduced to the concept of a seismic wave lag and use data from the activity to create a seismic wave travel-time graph. This activity can be adapted for use with elementary age learners or even college level learners.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
Under 5 minutes
Learning Time:
1 to 2 hours
Estimated Materials Cost:
free per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 11 - adult
Resource Types:
Activity, Game, Lesson/Lesson Plan, Simulation
Language:
English

Keywords

Subjects

  • Earth and Space Science
    • Earth Processes
      • Earthquakes
      • Volcanoes and Plate Tectonics
    • Earth Structure
      • Rocks and Minerals
  • Engineering and Technology
    • Technology
  • Mathematics
    • Algebra
      • Patterns
    • Data Analysis and Probability
      • Data Analysis
      • Data Collection
      • Data Representation
    • Measurement
      • Rate
    • Number and Operations
      • Multiples and Factors
    • Representation
  • The Nature of Technology
    • Technology and Society
      • Impacts of Technology
      • Technology and the Environment
  • Physical Sciences
    • Vibration and Waves
      • Wave Properties
      • Wave Motion
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations
      • Gathering Data
      • Formulating Explanations
      • Communicating Results
    • Science as a Career

Informal Categories

  • Games
  • Nature and Environment
  • Physical Activity

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • be mobile
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves teamwork and communication skills
  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

  • Muller, Eric

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, The Science Teacher, 1993