Earthquake Explorers: Shake, Crack & Discover!

Class Description

Age: 8-11 years old 50 minutes Get ready to shake things up! Why does the Earth shake? What happens when giant pieces of Earth's crust collide or slide past each other? In this fun, hands-on science class, we'll investigate the forces beneath our feet and discover what causes earthquakes. Learners will explore tectonic plates, faults, seismic waves, and earthquake measurement through an interactive lesson filled with questions, visuals, and fascinating Earth science. Then we'll become earthquake scientists and model different types of tectonic plate movement using frosting and graham crackers! We'll pull plates apart, push them together, and slide them past one another to see how different movements affect Earth's surface. Along the way, we'll discover how plate movement can lead to earthquakes, mountains, volcanoes, and new land. Come curious, get hands-on, and see what happens when Earth's giant puzzle pieces start moving! Learners will explore: What causes earthquakes How tectonic plates move Faults, epicenters, and seismic waves Divergent, convergent, and transform plate boundaries How plate movement can create earthquakes, mountains, and volcanoes How scientists record and measure earthquakes The difference between oceanic and continental plates Supplies: Frosting, a paper plate, marker, 4 graham cracker squares, ½ of a rice cake, a small dish of water, and a spoon. This class meets live online for one session, offering learners a focused and engaging learning experience in a single meeting. The session is held via Pencil Spaces, making it easy for families to join from anywhere. Pencil Spaces is used to post announcements, supply lists, and any helpful resources, as well as to support communication between learners, families, and the teacher before and after class, so everyone feels prepared and connected.