Map Earthquakes Chapter Notes | Science for Grade 4 PDF Download

Introduction

Earthquakes are exciting and powerful events that happen when the Earth's surface shakes. In this chapter, we will learn how to map earthquakes using a world map and special coordinates called latitude and longitude. By plotting where earthquakes happen, we can see patterns, like how they often occur near the edges of giant pieces of the Earth's crust called tectonic plates. This activity will help us understand why earthquakes happen and where they are most likely to occur, like along the Ring of Fire around the Pacific Ocean. Let’s dive into this fun mapping adventure!

O​bjective

• Learn to plot earthquake locations on a world map using latitude and longitude.
• Identify patterns in where earthquakes happen, like along tectonic plate boundaries.
• Understand that many earthquakes occur near the Ring of Fire around the Pacific Ocean.

Materials Needed

• A world map with latitude and longitude lines, made simple for Grade 4 students.
• Colored markers, stickers, or push pins to mark earthquake locations.
• A list of recent earthquake data to plot on the map.
• Pencils and rulers for drawing and measuring on the map.
  • Optional: A clear transparency sheet or a digital map for group activities.

Background for Students

• What is an Earthquake?
  • An earthquake is when the Earth shakes suddenly because of movement in the ground.
  • It happens when giant pieces of the Earth’s crust, called tectonic plates, move or slide.
  • Most earthquakes happen along the edges of these tectonic plates.
  • The Ring of Fire is a special area around the Pacific Ocean where many earthquakes occur.
• Latitude and Longitude:

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• Latitude lines go side to side (east-west) on a map, like a ladder’s rungs.
• Latitude is measured in degrees north (N) or south (S) of the equator, which is 0° latitude.
• Longitude lines go up and down (north-south) on a map, like a ladder’s sides.
• Longitude is measured in degrees east (E) or west (W) of the Prime Meridian, which is 0° longitude.
  • Example: To find a place like Disney World at 28.4°N, 81.6°W, locate 28.4° north of the equator and 81.6° west of the Prime Meridian.
• Why Map Earthquakes?
  • Mapping shows where earthquakes happen most often.
  • It helps us see that earthquakes cluster near tectonic plate boundaries.
  • This teaches us about plate tectonics, which is how the Earth’s crust moves and causes earthquakes.

Recent Earthquake Data (July 2025)

• Earthquake 1: Alaska Peninsula, USA
  • Date: July 16, 2025
  • Latitude: 54.4°N
  • Longitude: 159.5°W
  • Magnitude: 7.3 (a very strong earthquake)
• Earthquake 2: ​Off Kamchatka, Russia
  • Date: July 20, 2025
  • Latitude: 52.5°N
  • Longitude: 159.0°E
  • Magnitude: 7.4 (a very strong earthquake)
• Earthquake 3: South of Panama
  • Date: July 14, 2025
  • Latitude: 7.0°N
  • Longitude: 82.0°W
  • Magnitude: 6.2 (a strong earthquake)
• Earthquake 4:Kermadec Islands, New Zealand
  • Date: July 2025 (approximated)
  • Latitude: 29.0°S
  • Longitude: 177.0°W
  • Magnitude: 6.0 (a strong earthquake)
• Earthquake 5: Near Japan
  • Date: July 2025 (approximated)
  • Latitude: ​35.0°N
  • Longitude: 140.0°E
  • Magnitude: 6.5 (a strong earthquake)

Note:

• The exact locations and strengths for the New Zealand and Japan earthquakes are estimated based on patterns.
• For the most up-to-date and exact data, visit the USGS website at earthquake.usgs.gov.