S E I S M I C S L E U T H S
M A T R I C E S
F O R T H E N A T I O N A L S C I E N C E E D U C A T I O N S T A N D A R D S
UNIT 3: HowDoPeople LearnAbout Earthquakes?Students explore the science andhistoryof seismology.
SEISMIC
SLEUTHS
SECTIONS
SCIENCE
AS INQUIRY
PHYSICAL
SCIENCE
EARTH AND
SPACE
SCIENCE
SCIENCE AND
TECHNOLOGY
SCIENCE IN
PERSONAL AND
SOCIAL
PERSPECTIVES
HISTORY AND
NATURE OF
SCIENCE
UNIFYING
CONCEPTS
AND
PROCESSES
3.1 The Waves
of Quakes
Students explore
waves and
discover how
waves transfer
energy. During
this exploration,
students
connect this
understanding to
primary and
secondary
waves.
Abilities
related to
scientific
inquiry
Understanding
about
scientific
inquiry
Motions and
forces
Interactions
of energy and
matter
Structure of
the Earth
system
Natural and human-
induced hazards
Change,
constancy,
and
measurement
3.2 Pioneering
Ideas
Students explore
the earlywork of
three scientists.
Understanding
about
scientific
inquiry
Forces and
motions
Interactions of
energy and
matter
Energy in the
Earth system
Origin and
evolution of
the Earth
system
Understanding
about science
and
technology
Science as a
human
endeavor
Nature of
scientific
knowledge
Historical
perspectives
Evidence,
models, and
explanation
3.3 Sizing Up
Earthquakes:
The Mercalli
Scale, Calling
Station KWAT
In this simulation
of a radio talk
showafter an
earthquake,
students learn
how
seismologists
establish
earthquake
intensity based
upon damage
people observe
and report.
Abilities
related to
scientific
inquiry
Understanding
about
scientific
inquiry
Motions and
forces
Interactions of
energy and
matter
Energy in the
Earth system
Abilities of
technological
design
Natural and
human-induced
hazards
Science as a
human
endeavor
Nature of
scientific
knowledge
Change,
constancy,
and
measurement
3.4 Distribution
of Earthquakes
Three activities
on plotting the
locations of
earthquakes on
map and
making a 3-D
model.
Abilities
related to
scientific
inquiry
Understanding
about scientific
inquiry
Structure of
the Earth
system
Energy in the
Earth system
Natural hazards
Risks
and benefits
Historical
perspectives
Evidence,
models, and
explanation
A G U
/
F E M A
xi
S
E I S M I C
S
L E U T H S
