Earthquake

photos that provoked rich class discussion



It is easy to say that KGG this year does a wonderful job of taking a unit of inquiry to their own personal level. The activity started as an inquiry lead by the question:

• What do we need to think about when building a shelter?

It began as students were challenged to build a town using blocks and other materials on two tables. Students worked together carefully to design buildings in groups of four. When they were finished the teacher shook the two tables in a way that simulated an earthquake. Naturally, buildings that were well equipped continued to stand, while others were leveled. Students were then challenged to build again to anticipate another earthquake.

Here were a couple results:



"My shelter breaked from the earthquake. Ellis helped me. His did not break."-Minhaz



"My building broke for the earthquake. It (the building) was long and tall. Tahsin and Amber helped to make it short."-Saif




"The top fell because it was big. I made it shorter and I made a base. I'll use less things to make the next shelter."-Rehnuma


Not only was this a great opportunity for the students to be reflective, it also was a time for students show action and further develop interests. Students began checking earthquake books out of the library to learn more. They also practiced "School Earthquake Drills" on their own. In order to facilitate this excitement, I gathered books and photos that generated deep and meaningful discussion. Through their own interest, they became familiar with terms such as fault line and plates. They also came to the conclusion that a shelter must be flexible in order to endure an earthquake. In order to consolidate and extend this inquiry, please discuss it with your child, find adequate books or use the following websites:

Earthquakes for Kids

Kids Questions on Earthquakes

Essentials of Geology Animations