saturday, march 26, 2022

Did you know that there is an average of 50 earthquakes a day worldwide? While scientists cannot predict exactly when or where an earthquake will happen, they can use a seismometer to collect data on vibrations or seismic activities. Join us to make your own seismometer and learn about tectonic plates and earthquakes.

Preparation: Several sheets of paper or a couple of long grocery receipts , one (1) shoebox (or similar box with enough room for your cup), one (1) small or medium-sized paper cup, string, markers, pen or pencil, scissors, tape, small weights (rocks, coins, marbles or small objects that fit into your cup), help from an adult (for help in cutting the box and more hands for experiments). Please follow these preparation instructions before the start of the session.

Experts: Beth McLarty Halfkenny is the curator and outreach coordinator at Carleton University’s Department of Earth Sciences. Dr. Mareike Adams is a geophysicist and seismic analyst with the Canadian Hazards Information Service at Natural Resources Canada.