EARTHQUAKES!

I'm delighted you will be joining me to study one of nature's truly awesome performances. The power displayed in literally moving mountains is impressive. I love our 'dynamic' scenery and wouldn't want to live anywhere else! My name is Anne Cooper (the mother of Lisa, Sarah and Jenny). I am an engineer by training and a scientist by experience. I have worked for a research company where we calculated the effects of explosions, impacts and shock waves. The study of earthquakes has been a personal project for me for several years and it is becoming a professional project as I have submitted several proposals for basic research in the field.

1. Introduction

Share personal stories of the Northridge Earthquake

Explain Modified Mercalli Intensity vs Richter scales

Decide which Mercalli scale Moorpark experienced

What might the effect be here of an 8.5 on the San Andreas?

Draw hypothetical Mercalli contours for an 8.5

2. Fault Mechanics

Make models of different faults with playdough and styrofoam and try sliding them

Play with the blind thrust fault demonstrator

3. Ground Motion

Try different models on the shake table

Discuss and demonstrate P-waves, S-waves, Rayleigh waves

Study response of dry vs wet soil using sand in breadpans

4. Seismometers

discuss the governing principles of seismometers

make working models with craft sticks, hot glue guns, pencils, and playdough

try them out on the shake table

5. Preparation

Unpack and pass around my backpack of supplies usually stored in car

Make list of good supplies to have on hand

Discuss activities to do ahead of time, both at home and for the engineers

Make a recipe book of what you would do to fix your food after a quake (to be published by me for the next class)

Discuss what plans the school has for a quake.

Check classroom for anything dangerous.

What would you do if we had one right now?

6. Our Local Faults

Discuss where our closest ones are and how to identify them

Locate them on topo maps

Discuss finding sea shell fossils in the mountains; why are they there?

pass out list of addresses and phone numbers of where to get more info

Field Trip

Hike across Simi-Santa Rosa fault south of Tierra Rejada

This enrichment class was crafted specifically for 4th and 5th grade students in Moorpark, Ventura County, CA. My objective is not only education, but also to banish fear with knowledge. We cannot stop the earth from moving, but my students don't need to be eaten up with anxiety while waiting. They will have some sense of control and perhaps share my awe and excitement.

Anne V. Cooper
13153 E. Honeybee St.
Moorpark, CA 93021
805-523-9748
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