How frequent seismic activity affects societies
In this lesson, students gain an understanding of the geological forces that create the Ring of Fire and its effect on distinct cultures.
Map of the world showing tectonic plate boundaries
Class time: 2–3 class periods (45-minute periods)
Software required: Microsoft Encarta Reference or other encyclopedia
Microsoft Office Word
Teacher guide
Objectives
| • | Students will explore plate tectonics. |
| • | Students will prepare a report that describes how natural disasters have influenced societies. |
Prerequisite skills
| • | Basic research skills using Microsoft Encarta |
| • | Basic experience with Microsoft Office Word |
How to begin
1. | Find a reference article about plate tectonics and the magma they release during separation.Have the class read (out loud) how magma is released as plates move apart. |
2. | Brainstorm recent incidents of volcanic activity and earthquakes, and point out that most of these occur along the Ring of Fire. Explain that in this activity the students will each assume the role of an anthropologist and compare how life on the Ring of Fire has influenced two distinct societies. 
Photograph of earthquake-damaged buildings in San Francisco
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Student activity
In this activity, you will create a multimedia report describing what creates the Ring of Fire and comparing how seismic events have influenced the cultures of two distinct societies that live along the Ring of Fire.
“Great Wave off Kanagawa,” by Hokusai, woodcut, 1820s
Step 1: Explore the Ring of Fire
| • | Software: Microsoft Encarta or other encyclopedia |
| • | What to do Do basic research on the Ring of Fire Review some of the societies that live along the Ring of Fire. This will be a good starting point for picking the cultures you will research. |
Step 2: Research societies that inhabit the Ring of Fire
| • | Software: Microsoft Encarta or other encyclopedia
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| • | What to do Research two different societies that live along the Ring of Fire 1. | Select two distinct societies that live along the Ring of Fire. | 2. | Research the effect of seismic events on these societies. Ask: | • | What hazards do they face? | | • | How do they cope? | | • | How has the threat of disaster influenced their cultures? |
| 3. | Use Bing or other search engine to research related information. |
Hint: Use Bing Maps to explore your subject's region.
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Step 3: Compare societal responses
| • | Software: Microsoft Encarta or other encyclopedia, Microsoft Office Word |
| • | What to do Write a report about the different ways societies respond to living on the Ring of Fire 1. | Gather information from all appropriate articles, sidebars, media features, and Web sources. Compare how these societies have been influenced by the threats posed to them by living along the Ring of Fire. | 2. | Optional: Use Microsoft Learning Essentials homework starters to help you organize your information and outline your report. Make sure to include examples of art, architecture, and engineering that demonstrate a societal response to the threat of natural disasters.
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Ways to extend the student activity
Have students study how the Richter scale measures earthquake activity, and compare the effects on different societies from earthquakes that measured five, seven, and nine on the Richter scale.
