Seismology Unit


In its first year at Saint Mary's, the Boston College Seismology Project (BCSP) brought an exciting new dimension to the school's earth science curriculum. BSCP is a collaborative initiative between Weston Observatory and the Lynch School of Education at Boston College.
 
Throughout first semester BC geologist Stacy Moulis trained middle school students to use a seismograph to track and analyze data about earthquakes. In the process these students dug deeper into the Earth's history to learn how rocks and minerals are linked to the formation of glaciers and volcanoes. And in practical applications they used Excel software to graph the world's seismicity and build a model earthquake proof building.
 
By spring, lower grade students were eager to learn about seismology and an adapted program led them to explore the earth's inner core, new concepts about plate tectonics and construct seismographs of their own design. In June, a culminating activity brought all classes together for an interdisciplinary 'teach in' combining poetry with student learning in earth science. We're delighted to share some of their reflections:
 
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I learned that China made the seismograph thousands of years ago, and that was amazing. I didn't know they measured earthquakes before. ~Annie, gr. 3
 
I have learned how to plot earthquakes on a map. ~Jake, gr. 5
 
The earth has more gravity than the moon. ~Angie, gr. 1
 
Magna and lava are different; magna pushes and lava flows. ~Chirag, gr. 1
 
What I enjoyed most was testing out our seismograph. I have learned about +'s and -'s and how to graph earthquakes on a map. ~Marielle, gr. 5
 
I was amazed to find out how many earthquakes are in the world. ~Elizabeth, gr. 3
 
I found it interesting that the shock waves of an earthquake can travel really far. ~Thomas, gr. 4
 
I learned so much about earthquakes and their force. Speaking of which, I was amazed to find out earthquakes were so strong. ~Eric, gr. 4
 
I liked building the seismographs because it was fun drawing out the plan and building it with all different materials. ~Christian, gr. 5
 
I learned that you can track many earthquakes. I also learned that learning new things is not hard. ~Gayle, gr. 5
 
I enjoy that we do hands-on work instead of reading from books. I learned that north, south, east, and west can also be negative and positive. ~Jessica, gr. 5
 
One thing I learned in Seismology is that how much damage an earthquake can do. One thing I liked about seismology is I liked building. ~Stephanie, gr. 2
 
I was amazed to find out that earthquakes travel the whole world but we can't feel them. ~Starr, gr. 4
 
I learned that there were earthquakes in New England because I thought it was only in the Midwest and West. ~Elinam, gr. 5
 
One thing I learned about seismology is everything shakes during earthquakes. One thing I liked abut seismology is that our seismology teacher is also a paleontologist. ~Jack , gr. 2
 
I've enjoyed everything! Since we have been going to seismology I learned a lot and had to think a different way at every class! ~Gifty, gr. 5