Science·Volcanoes & Earthquakes·conceptual
Measuring Earthquake Strength
Know that scientists measure earthquakes using seismometers, that earthquakes release energy that travels as waves through the ground, and that a magnitude scale describes their strength
Suggested ages 9–11
Learning journey
Your child is exploring how Earth's powerful forces work — understanding what causes volcanoes and earthquakes, how scientists monitor them, and how communities prepare for these natural events.
Evidence of understanding
- Explain that a seismometer is an instrument that detects and records ground shaking
- Describe earthquake energy as waves that travel outward from where rocks broke
- Interpret a magnitude number as a measure of an earthquake's strength
Assessment prompt
If Measuring Earthquake Strength heard a news report about a magnitude 6 earthquake, could they explain what a seismometer is, that earthquakes send waves through the ground, and that higher numbers mean stronger quakes?
Standards alignment
No external standards are linked to this topic.