Earthquakes K-2 Lesson Plan Adaptations

Lessons and activities in the Masters of Disaster curriculum kit are complete and ready for use the moment you open the box. We know, however, that at times teachers and others working with children adapt activities to meet the needs of their students. We want to pass these creative and innovative ideas on to you! You will find adaptations of Masters of Disaster lessons and activities listed below as suggested by users of the curriculum. If a lesson plan is not listed, we have not yet received a suggested adaptation for that lesson. If you have a suggestion of your own, please let us know.

Background for the Teacher

• Tell students that energy during an earthquake is released in sound waves. To simulate this energy tell students that when they snap their fingers they can compare the movement to that of an earthquake - tension building. . . then (snap!) a forward movement. Virginia Kimball, School Emergency Preparedness Writer, Instructor, Pasadena, CA

Lesson Plan 1, "Convection Currents" Activity, pp115-116

• Use a similar pan nearby filled with cold water to use as a comparison.

*Note—Clear frying pans are fairly common at flea markets. Sharon Earley, Red Cross

Lesson Plan 5, "What Should I Do?" Activity, pp. 141-145,

• After practicing an earthquake simulation several times, record the earthquake simulation sounds so that a drill can be held without advance notice. Stop the sounds suddenly, to simulate a real earthquake.