Expedition
7: Earthquake!
In
this activity, your team will research a major historical earthquake and
create a "You Are There" television news report. Your presentation
will be judged on the following criteria. Does it:
- answer the
fundamental questions informing a journalists story: Who, What,
When, Why, and How?
- construct
a coherent narrative that tells the story of the earthquake and illuminates
the human drama of the event?
- bring history
alive by drawing on source documents and photographs to re-enact the
event?
- provide scientific
perspective on the cause and dynamics of the earthquake?
- demonstrate
the ability of your group to work together as an effective team?
Your teams
goal is to create an "award-winning" piece of television journalism.
Remember, your audience is hungry for late-breaking news and commentary
about the earthquake. Be sure to include the following information and
analyses in your news report:
- Time and
date earthquake struck.
- Magnitude
of the quake on the Richter Scale.
- Vital statistics:
number of people killed and injured; key buildings destroyed.
- The communitys
response to the disaster. What is being done, both officially and
by citizens, to meet the challenge?
- Interpretation
of photographs. Find photos that provide a window to the event. Describe
what you see as if you were arriving on the scene shortly after the
quake hit. Provide as many details as possible.
For
your presentation, consider the following roles on your team:
- Scriptwriter(s).
Working with other members of the team, this role organizes the elements
of the broadcast into a coherent script.
- News Anchor(s).
This role introduces the news broadcast and provides verbal transitions
between other members of the team.
- Field Reporter(s).
This role files live reports from the field and provides a description
of conditions in the community.
- Science Analyst(s).
This role provides scientific background and commentary on the earthquake.
- Man/Woman
on the Street. This role provides first person accounts of the earthquake
and the experience of living through it.
- Public Official(s).
This role offers insights into the challenges faced by community leaders,
firemen and police.
Your final presentation
should be structured like a live television news broadcast. Prepare a
script to guide your report. To enhance your audiences understanding
of the event, you may want to prepare maps and charts. Get ready for prime
time!
Activity
Links
1923
Tokyo Earthquake
Seismic
Activity Mapping
Search for earthquake activity by entering time frame, latitude and longitude.
Great
Kanto Earthquake,1923 Tokyo Earthquake
Photographs and text about Tokyos 1923 devastating earthquake.
US
Geological Survey
Map of Japans seismicity by depth, 197595.
City
of Yokohama
Photographs of the citys harbor damaged by Tokyos 1923 earthquake.
1906
San Francisco Earthquake
Seismic
Activity Mapping
Search for earthquake activity by entering time frame, latitude and longitude.
Museum
of the City of San Francisco, Earthquake Exhibit
Maps, scientific data, reports, accounts and photographs of the 1906 and
1989 San Francisco earthquakes.
US
Geological Survey, Earthquake Information
Combines scientific research and analysis with photographs.
Carnegie
Report
Photographs taken along the San Andreas fault line of damage from the
1906 San Francisco earthquake, and links to other earthquake information
sources.
Ibis
Communications
Personal accounts and photographs of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake.
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