Through investigation, observation, diagrams, and models, students begin to identify geological features and simulate changes that occur on the Earth's surface and on the ocean floor. Students apply this knowledge to suggest the effect that these features and changes have on people and communities. They identify technologies that are related to the scientific study of these changes and look at those that have been developed for human protection. Activities Using diagrams, students describe the formation of a volcano. Students study the design of instruments used to detect earthquakes and build a model seismograph.
Students demonstrate movement along fault lines using plasticine or other common materials.
Students investigate earthquake preparedness in their community. They demonstrate their scientific skills and processes when they formulate models of the Earth's processes and take responsible action in preparing for an earthquake. Skills and processes The teacher provides a problem related to how the students' community could prepare for an earthquake. In groups, students develop a possible solution and analyze the costs and benefits of their solution. The teacher focuses criteria on how the students use science and act responsibly in devising their solution.