Science
Volcanoes & Earthquakes
Conceptual
9–11 yrs
Measuring Earthquake Strength
测量地震强度
Description
Know that scientists measure earthquakes using seismometers, that earthquakes release energy that travels as waves through the ground, and that a magnitude scale describes their strength
Mastery Evidence
- Explain that a seismometer is an instrument that detects and records ground shaking
- Describe earthquake energy as waves that travel outward from where rocks broke
- Interpret a magnitude number as a measure of an earthquake's strength
Assessment Prompt
If your child heard a news report about a magnitude 6 earthquake, could they explain what a seismometer is, that earthquakes send waves through the ground, and that higher numbers mean stronger quakes?
