Science Daily reported on Sunday, October 14, that a 3.0 magnitude earthquake hit Israel. This would be hardly worth noting except that two similar earthquakes have been recently recorded in the same area. According to the article, “such seismic activity appears to indicate a more disastrous quake is imminent.” Two scientists recounted the history of large earthquakes in the area: “We know that the area between the Kinneret and the Dead Sea was subject to several large quakes, in 31 B.C., 362 B.C., 749 B.C. and 1033 A.D. . . . Another major one is coming soon.”

Similar discussions center on areas of California. The Southern California Earthquake Data Center has general information along with maps of recent quakes, “shake maps” and fault maps, on which all area fault lines are mapped, including the famous San Andreas fault.

How to Turn This News Event into an Inquiry-Based, Standards-Related Science Lesson

Earth and Space Science Content Standard D of the National Education Science Standards lists the following among its fundamental principles underlying studies of the structure of the earth system:

Lithospheric plates on the scales of continents and oceans constantly move at rates of centimeters per year in response to movements in the mantle. Major geological events, such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and mountain building, result from these plate motions.

If you are ready to begin your study of earth systems, the earthquake in Israel could be an opener. Show students the very short story. Ask: Have you ever experienced an earthquake? Can you think of any major earthquakes? Can people seek safety from an earthquake the way they might be able to from severe weather? What causes earthquakes? What does a magnitude of 3.0 mean? Can magnitudes be higher? How much? What would account for variation in the magnitude of earthquakes? Why are earthquakes more common in California than in Kansas? Record all student responses.

A detailed article from CBC News Online, Indepth: Forces of Nature: Earthquakes, provides information students can use to check their answers to the opening questions.

Illustration Adapted from Google Maps

Here are some additional resources that are part of the NSDL Middle School Portal collection to facilitate your instruction regarding earthquakes:Plate Tectonics: Moving Middle School Science; Mapping Plate Boundaries, and Virtual Courseware for Earth and Environmental Sciences

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