WV State Standards: Math: M.O.A1.2.20 Science: SC.9.1.3,  SC. 9.1.4,  SC.9.2.1, SC.9.2.3, SC.9.2.7, SC.9.2.8, SC.9.3.1, SC.9.3.2, SC.9.3.3, SC.9.3.4, SC.9.4.32, SC.9.4.36, SC.9.4.37, SC.9.5.3, SC.9.5.4 Technology: National Standards:  Math: 1, 5, 7, 8 Science: 2, 8, 9, 10 Technology: 1,2,3,6 Blooms Taxonomy: Knowledge, Comprehension, Application, Analysis, Synthesis 21st Century Skills: Problem identification, Communication skills, Information and media literacy skills, Interpersonal and collaborative skills, Social responsibility, Self-direction

Objective(s)

Students will:

• use real-life data to plot the location of earthquakes that have occurred during the last 7 days
• use real life data to complete a probability worksheet focusing on the probability that an  earthquake will occur in various named places in the world (including their hometown)
• research plate tonics and be prepared to discuss what they have learned

Time Required

Two 45 minute class periods

Pre-Requisite Skills

Basic knowledge of latitude and longitude, and plotting points on a coordinate graph

Computers with Internet access

World map that includes latitude and longitude lines
Latest Earthquake data
Probability worksheet  Probability - Lesson 1
 

1. Given a blank world map marked with lines of latitude and longitude, the students will mark locations of earthquakes of magnitude 5 or higher over the last seven days on the map. Students will either be given a hyperlink to the Earthquake data or be given the handout, depending on availability of computer lab.
2. Students will study probability and complete a worksheet on Probability to predict the probability of an earthquake occurring in various regions of the world based on their plotted locations.
3. Students will research plate tectonics on the Internet, then present their findings during a class discussion of the history and mechanisms of plate tectonics

Teacher can assist those who need help finding the information, plotting the points, or completing the worksheet.  Students will either be given a hyperlink to Earthquake data or the information will be provided in a handout depending on the availability of the computer lab.

World Map of Latest Earthquakes

This lesson could easily be taught by a math teacher because it covers plotting points on a coordinate graph as well as probability using practical real-life data. A science teacher could also teach this unit because of the information on earthquakes, and a social studies teacher could use this unit when working on geography.

If the computer lab is unavailable, this lesson could still be taught if the teacher visits the above link and makes a copy of the latest data to hand out to each student. Also, the teacher would have to give the information on plate tectonics.

Researching the Internet -  technology