home

Earthquakes...one of the most destructive forces in nature. Have you ever wondered what it would feel like to experience this powerful energy? In this project you will learn about some of the most damaging earthquakes in history. You'll travel back in time to Lisbon, Portugal in the year 1755 and read accounts of twenty one foot waves that sunk ships and destroyed a beautiful city. Then on to the year 1811-12 in Missouri where an earthquake was so strong it caused the Mississippi river to flow backward. Then you'll move forward in time to the great San Francisco Earthquake of 1909, the most famous earthquake in American history. The next stop will be Japan in 1923 where the Great Kanto Earthquake caused tsunamis and fires that killed over 150,000 people. Then you'll read about a devastating earthquake in 1970 and learn what happens when a quake cracks Peru's highest mountain. Finally you'll arrive in our present day and visit the island of Haiti where people are still struggling with the aftermath of their horrible earthquake. On your journey you will explore tectonic plates and how their movement results in quakes. You'll find out where 4 out of 5 earthquakes occur an area known as the "ring of fire". After getting all the facts, youll read first hand accounts from survivors and learn about what you should do if you are ever in an earthquake. When you arrive back at Canopy Oaks you'll become news broadcasters and create a newscast covering one of these events. You'll end your journey by exploring how you can help earthquake victims today rebuild their lives.