A WebQuest for 7th Grade

Designed by

Bradley Central 7th Grade Team                         

Introduction|Task|Process|Evaluation|Conclusion |Credits|Teacher Page

Art      Math     Science    Social Studies

In the past three centuries, major earthquakes outside of California and Alaska generally occurred in sparsely-settled areas, and damage and fatalities were largely minimal. But some took place in areas that have since been heavily built up. Among them are three earthquakes that occurred in 1811 and 1812 near New Madrid, MO. They are among the great earthquakes of known history, affecting the topography more than any other earthquake on the North American continent. Judging from their effects, they were of a magnitude of 8.0 or higher on the Richter Scale. They were felt over the entire United States outside of the Pacific coast. Large areas sank into the earth, new lakes were formed, the course of the Mississippi River was changed, and forests were destroyed over an area of 150,000 acres. But fatalities and damage were low because the area was sparsely settled then.

The probability for an earthquake of magnitude 6.0 or greater is significant in the near future, with a 50% chance by the year 2005 and a 90% chance by the year 2040. A quake with a magnitude equal to that of the 1811- 1812 quakes could result in great loss of life and property damage in the billions of dollars. Scientists believe we could be overdue for a large earthquake and through research and public awareness may be able to prevent such losses.

ARE WE PREPARED???????????

You will:

• design an earthquake-proof building
• understand the history and geography of the New Madrid fault
• analyze the earthquake's intensity
• compare studies as to when the next major earthquake may occur on the New Madrid fault

In science class, you will be evaluating two studies on the possibility of a major earthquake occurring along the New Madrid fault in the near future.  Small earthquakes not felt by humans but detected with a seismograph often occur along the New Madrid fault.  Find out the date and time of the last earthquake by clicking on 

http://www.eas.slu.edu/Earthquake_Center/FQHTML/nmd.html

Scientific studies differ as to the possibility of a major earthquake occurring along the New Madrid fault in the near future.  As you look at the next site, read carefully to locate the answers to the following questions.

What instrument was used by scientists to measure movement along the fault during the mid-1990s and how much movement was recorded?

Compare the movement taken by this instrument to the results of more recent studies.

http://showme.net/~fkeller/quake/overview.htm

While reading the next site, note how many earthquakes seem to occur whenever a major quake happened at the New Madrid fault in the past.  

What type of fault is the New Madrid fault and why is it difficult to study?

How big is the fault, and if a major earthquake occurs, what would be the possible magnitude?

In the past, how often have major earthquakes occurred at this fault?

http://www.scienceagogo.com/news/20000902011840data_trunc_sys.shtml

When you are finished, click on the on-line quiz.

New Madrid Science Quiz 

New Madrid Quake 1811-1812

Map

Top Ten Quakes

Hidden Hazards

When you are finished researching these sites, click on the online quiz.

Quiz

1.  Visit the websites listed below and take a short quiz to test your knowledge of the information gained at these sites.

Imperial Hotel

Quiz

2.  Design an earthquake proof building.  Use 12"X18" drawing paper and any combination of the following:  pencil, colored pencil, marker, crayon, pen and ink, and watercolors.  Your drawing will be evaluated on imagination and creativity.  The building does not have to be practical from an engineering point of view.  For example, you could show giant birds grabbing rings on the roof of your building and gently lifting it off the ground before the quake can do serious damage.  You will be evaluated on neatness, craftsmanship, and attention to detail as well.  Show size, setting, and building materials used such as stone, steel, sticks, or Silly Putty.

You will be evaluated in each subject area.  

• social studies by passing an online quiz
• art by passing an online quiz and drawing assignment
• science by passing an online quiz
• math by passing an online quiz

Students will have learned information about earthquakes as it applies to the following subject areas: art, language arts, math, science and social studies.

Photos and animation provided by: 

http://www.cusec.org/madzone.html

http://users.skynet.be/d.sign/wright/

http://showme.net/~fkeller/quake/overview.htm

http://wwwneic.cr.usgs.gov/

Music provided by:

ComTry MP3.Downloader

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