The CSUN - San Fernando Valley High School Seismograph Project

Following the 1994 Northridge earthquake, the Los Angeles Physics Teachers Alliance Group (LAPTAG) began recording aftershock data using the Geosense PS-1 (now the Kinemetrics Earthscope) PC-based seismograph. Data were utilized by students from the schools in lesson plans and mini-research projects. Over the past year, several new geology and physical science teachers are now using the AS-1 seismograph to record local and teleseismic earthquakes. This project is also coordinating with the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) high school teachers involved in the American Geological Institute's EARTHCOMM curriculum. The seismograph data are being incorporated with the course materials and are emphasizing the California Science Content Standards (CSCS). The San Fernando Valley schools and seismograms from earthquakes in southern California region (e.g. San Simeon 2003) and worldwide events (e.g. Alaska 2002) are presented with associated lesson plans.