Earthquake Lite – International reporting, maps, & sharing of world earthquakes

Earthquake Lite provides users with information related to earthquakes and tsunamis. From the app’s main menu, users can click the List, Map, Notifications, Tsunamis, or About button on the bottom of the screen to access information. The “List” button shows the magnitude, location, and date of recent earthquakes. By tapping an earthquake listed in this option, the app will show users a map where the earthquake occurred, where it could be felt, and where other earthquakes happened. The “Map” option shows users their location on the map. Users are able to scroll the map and view different plate boundaries on it to see where earthquakes occurred. The “Notifications” option lets users set parameters (e.g., magnitude of the earthquake, distance from the earthquake, etc.) for when they want to be alerted about occurring earthquakes. The “Tsunami” option links back to the National Weather Service’s website for Pacific Tsunami Warning Center, which provides current information about tsunamis. The “About” button lets users access information related the app and its developer.

Instructional Ideas

1. Students can view the list of where earthquakes recently occurred, and they can conduct an investigation about their impact. Students can research how many people were affected by the earthquake, the amount of structural damage caused by the earthquake, and estimated cost needed to repair any damages related to the earthquake. Students can share this information in writing, in small group discussion, or by making a presentation to their class.
2. Students can view the map that shows plate boundaries and earthquake activity. Based on this data, students can list the 5-10 most dangerous cities to live in based on earthquake activity. Students can write their list using an Office app and then share them in small groups or via a whole class discussion. Teachers can increase the rigor of this activity by requiring students to include written justifications for their rankings.
3. Students can view the map in the “Tsunami” section of this app to see where current tsunami warnings are located. Students can then analyze the map to see if there is an overlap between the locations of tsunamis as compared to earthquakes. If overlap is found, students can then predict why both tsunamis and earthquakes affect the same location.

Screenshots