Deadliest Earthquake of the Year Strikes Iran

WORLD The deadliest earthquake of 2017 struck Iran and Iraq late Sunday evening, rocking the two countries and killing more than 400 people. (National Geographic) Use our video to better understand earthquakes. Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers’ Toolkit, including today’s simple MapMaker Interactive map.   Discussion Ideas In our video “Earthquakes 101,” we learn that most earthquakes … Continue reading Deadliest Earthquake of the Year Strikes Iran

This Week in Geographic History, January 9 – 15

Here’s an advance look at some of the “This Day in Geographic History” (TDIGH) events coming up this week. For each date, we’ve matched it with a map or visual, background information, and a classroom activity so you can plan ahead. Tuesday, January 10 TDIGH: London Underground Opens The London Underground opened in 1863, making it the oldest underground railway in the world. Map: London … Continue reading This Week in Geographic History, January 9 – 15

Quake and Tsunami Strike New Zealand

WORLD A magnitude 7.8 quake struck New Zealand’s South Island, and a tsunami followed. (BBC) Use or video to better understand earthquakes. Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers’ Toolkit, including today’s simple MapMaker Interactive map. Discussion Ideas In our video “Earthquakes 101,” we learn that most earthquakes are caused by the movement of tectonic plates far below Earth’s … Continue reading Quake and Tsunami Strike New Zealand

This Week in Geographic History, October 17 – 23

Here’s an advance look at a some of the “This Day in Geographic History” (TDIGH) events coming up this week.  For each date, we’ve matched it with a map or visual, background information, and a classroom activity so you can plan ahead. Monday, October 17 TDIGH: Loma Prieta Earthquake The magnitude 6.9 earthquake near Oakland, California in 1989 was triggered by the shifting tectonic plates … Continue reading This Week in Geographic History, October 17 – 23

How Do Scientists Tell the Difference Between Natural Earthquakes and Earthquakes Caused by Nuclear Tests?

SCIENCE North Korea just announced a successful underground test of a nuclear device, and seismic evidence supports that claim. How do scientists know the earthquake in North Korea was triggered by an underground nuclear blast and was not a naturally occurring tectonic event? (BBC) Why are North Korea’s nuclear tests such a big deal, anyway? Use our great study guide to find out. Teachers, scroll … Continue reading How Do Scientists Tell the Difference Between Natural Earthquakes and Earthquakes Caused by Nuclear Tests?