The images that come to mind are devastated buildings, fallen bridges, enormous cracks in the ground, raging fires, and loss of human life.
Earthquakes also cause water pipes to burst, gas lines to break, and highways to crumble.
This NOVA program examines some of the latest research into earthquake studies which show that while earthquakes may not be predictable in the short term, they need not take such a high toll on human lives. Some of the issues that are raised in this program relate to structural engineering. Before they watch the program, have students research some important design features that would help a structure remain standing during an earthquake. You may want to challenge students to design models of structures they think would stand up well during an earthquake. As they watch the program, have students look for important design features used by structural engineers who design buildings in earthquake-prone areas.