Audience
Educators
Grade Levels
Grades K-4, Grades 5-8
Subject
Earth Science, Geography
Type
Lesson Plans / Activities, Videos
Observe the location of global earthquake activity from 1980–1995 in this NASA animation as well as the location of seafloor features, such as ridges and troughs, in this NASA world map. Comparing the locations of earthquakes and seafloor features reveals patterns that appear to coincide. These patterns provide information for further study in middle school on how the ridges and trenches formed and why earthquakes occur.
Support materials include background information, teaching tips and student pages.
This resource was developed through GBH’s Bringing the Universe to America’s Classrooms project, in collaboration with NASA’s Science Activation program.
Next Generation Science Standards: 4-ESS2.B.1