Your Room in an Earthquake

Earthquakes are a concern for communities located near tectonic plate boundaries (faults). While the strength (magnitude) of earthquakes can be measured scientifically, the damage caused by earthquakes can vary greatly depending on the location, types of structures, and other factors (see image above with toppled furniture).

This activity allows students to make models of rooms to investigate and measure the intensity of simulated earthquakes (see example below). They gain a deeper understanding of the need to secure common internal items in homes and other buildings. Students practice estimating damage and intensity using a relative scale called the Mercalli scale.