Participant+8-+LT

=Lesson Guidelines:=
 * Use of a Web 2.0 platform such as Wikispaces or Google Docs.
 * A technology-based assessment.
 * Unique technology-based activities (online activities or software).
 * A hands-on, inquiry based component.
 * Opportunities for student collaboration to complete the lesson's activities
 * An opportunity for group sharing and/or group discussion following activities
 * This lesson must be able to be completed in 90 minutes.

= = =Larry Rice=

=Title of Lesson:= How to determine the epicenter of an earthquake.

Overview:
In this lesson the student will be able to compare and contrast the velocity of P and S waves. They will use the difference in velocity to determine the location of an earthquake epicenter using information from three seismic stations.

Standards:
Objective 2.04Analyze seismic waves including velocity and refraction to:
 * Infer Earth's internal structure.
 * Locate earthquake epicenters.
 * Measure earthquake magnitude.
 * Evaluate the level of seismic activity in North Carolina.

Essential Question:
How can the epicenter of an earthquake be located?

Learning Outcomes (What can they do?):
Given the arrival times of the earthquake waves the student will be able to determine the location of an earthquake epicenter.

Duration:
90 minutes

Classroom Logistics:
The Student will use their computers. Students will us an earthquake simulation to determine the epicenter of an earthquake.

Tools + Rationale for each tool used:
Video of the damage from an earthquake (the first part of the lesson) Wallwisher will be used to brainstorm how to determine the epicenter of an earthquake (this will introduce the lesson). Simulation of earthquake epicenter location. Handout of a seismogram from three seismic stations for an earthquake. Use the information and triangulation to pinpoint the location of the epicenter.

Prior Content Knowledge:
Information about the different seismic waves, seismogram, tectonic movement, causes of earthquakes.

Prior Internet/Web 2.0 Resource Knowledge:
How to make submissions to wallwisher

Instructional Strategy/Activities (Lecture, workshop, etc.):
Instruction concerning the velocity of seismic waves, Activity measuring the arrival times of P and S waves.

Student Deliverables:
Students will develop and demonstrate an activity that locates the epicenter, given a seismogram from three different seismic stations. This will be using a computer simulation and a handout where they will have to calculate the arrival times of P and S waves, a compass, and a map

Lesson
Step 1: Introduction to epicenter location. http://online.wsj.com/video/earthquake-damage-in-chile/164FB847-D media type="custom" key="7421341" Where was the epicenter of the above earthquake? Was it nearby or far away? How could we determine where it was located?

Step 2: Post an idea about how to determine the epicenter of an earthquake to the wallwisher. http://www.wallwisher.com/wall/epicenter

Step 3: Go to the following link and do the earthquake simulation. You should continue to work on the simulation until you score excellent. http://www.sciencecourseware.org/virtualearthquake/vquakeexecute.html

Step 4. When you have scored excellent, you should get packet and use a compass to determine on the map where the epicenter was located.

Step 5: Design a screencast aimed at teaching a group of 5th graders how an epicenter is located. (keep it simple)