2nd Graders Explore Earthquake Science at Middle School

Second grade scientists from Deasy Elementary School visited the Glen Cove Middle School for a hands-on earthquake lesson led by Ms. Victoria Curtis, K-12 Coordinator of Science for the Glen Cove City School District in collaboration with Ms. Erin Nastri, Deasy School Principal. Joined by 7th grade students Amanda and Savannah, who are earthquake experts from their 6th grade Earth Science class with Ms. Gonzalez, Ms. Curtis and the students introduced the young learners to the science of earthquakes through an interactive demonstration.

The lesson began with a thought-provoking image of a cracked street. The 2nd graders were asked to guess what might have caused the crack, sparking lively discussion and curiosity. Then, the students participated in a demonstration that simulated the Earth's crust and magma. Using milk to represent magma and hot chocolate powder to represent the crust, the students placed the powder atop the milk and heated it with a hot plate. As the milk bubbled and pressure built up, which then caused the "crust" to crack, the students were thrilled to see their predictions come to life!

At the end of the lesson, 7th graders Savannah and Amanda, shared that they too had learned about Earthquakes in 6th grade. They shared new vocabulary with the 2nd grade scientists: divergent, convergent and transform plate boundaries. It was a great way to wrap up the lesson, as Savannah and Amanda not only reinforced their own knowledge, but also helped the younger students make connections between the concepts they were learning and real-world geological processes. The 2nd graders were excited to hear the new vocabulary and began asking insightful questions about how earthquakes happen and what causes the plates to move. It was a wonderful moment of peer learning and collaboration, showing that even older students can contribute to a deeper understanding for younger learners.

This engaging experience not only allowed the second graders to explore scientific concepts in a fun and memorable way but also fostered excitement for future learning in the world of science.