Use of the USGS Earthquake Hazards Program to Enhance Quantitative Learning in a Core-Curriculum Earth Science Course

Major earthquakes, such as the Magnitude 8.1 Kuril Islands Earthquake of 13 January 2007, have been assigned as a project in a core-curriculum earth science course to teach students how scientists of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) analyze earthquakes. The students use relations found at the USGS Earthquake Hazards Program page to calculate the different earthquake magnitude types used by USGS scientists. They also use the seismic record sections for their assigned earthquake to locate the earthquake epicenter on a map. They apply their knowledge of earth structure and dynamics to understand how and why the earthquake happened. If the earthquake produced a tsunami, the students calculate its wave properties and speed. Students who complete the project become familiar with basic earthquake magnitude calculations, seismic hazard estimates, tsunami wave analysis, and the plate interactions that caused the earthquake. The purpose of the project is to develop confidence in students that they can do the same type of science that geoscientists do. Details of the project design and its impact on student assessment tests and surveys will be presented.