Adapted from a Web Quest By: Louise Jaskoski

If you live in Tennessee, Missouri, or Illinois you probably feel pretty safe from earthquakes. However, some experts say there is a strong possibility of an earthquake happening again in our area. "Again", you say. Did you know that back in 1811 there was a pretty devastating earthquake near Memphis that rang church bells in South Carolina? It caused the Mississippi River to actually flow backwards and brought Reelfoot Lake into existence? Let's take a trip back in time to hear what those living at the time had to say about this devastating earthquake and then let's visit the future to see what the possibility of another earthquake of that size hitting our area might be. You will also become a seismologist and calculate an earthquake.

Your Task:

Complete all 6 tasks listed below. You may hand write your report, create a web site or a power point presentation with the information you have gathered here.

TASK 1

Earthquake History

Click on the year of your choice and tell about that earthquake. CLICK HERE

TASK 2
Check the history of seismology and tell:

  • What our ancient ancestors believed about earthquakes.
  • What Aristotle believed.
  • CLICK HERE

TASK 3
Quiz

  • Test your knowledge of earthquakes - take a quiz CLICK HERE Include your score in your report

TASK 4
Are You Prepared?

Would you be ready if you were caught in an earthquake? Pretend that you have experienced an earthquake, and write a short story, a small journal, or a poem (remember poems don't have to rhyme) about your experience. Tell about what you did before, during and after the earthquake. click here if you need help.

TASK 5
New Madrid Earthquake
Visit this web site and tell about the New Madrid Earthquake (Check out "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin On" too). What is the probability of an earthquake like that happening again? Read one of the eyewitness accounts and, with a partner, create an interview to perform for the class. (There are also newspaper accounts of the earthquake.)

TASK 6
Become a Seismologist

Visit the virtual earthquake site and calculate the earthquake's epicenter and how it measures on the richter scale. Turn in your certificate for credit.
Ask a Geologist

After doing all your research, if you still have a question ask a geologist. CLICK HERE

Return to Web Quest page

Return to Home Page

Clip art by: The Clip Art Connection