Home Before a Quake Education K-12 Resources

K-12 Resources

​Explore earthquake education resources for students and teachers. Learn how earthquakes work, view maps and data, and discover safety and preparedness steps.

On this page

This page provides educational resources to help students understand earthquakes and gives teachers tools to support classroom instruction.

You’ll find materials that explain how earthquakes happen, how they are measured, and how people can prepare and stay safe.

How Earthquakes Work

Earthquakes occur when energy is released along faults in the Earth’s crust. This movement creates seismic waves that travel through the ground.

Scientists study earthquakes to understand where they happen, how strong they are, and how they affect communities.

For Students / Teachers

For Students

  • Learn what causes earthquakes
  • Explore maps and real-time data
  • Understand how earthquakes affect people and buildings
  • Learn what to do before, during, and after an earthquake

Explore student resources

For Teachers

  • Lesson plans and classroom activities
  • Earth science and geology resources
  • Maps, data, and interactive tools
  • Preparedness and safety materials

Explore teacher resources

What To Do During an Earthquake

  • Drop, cover, and hold on
  • Stay away from windows and heavy objects
  • Follow your school’s emergency procedures

Explore Key Earthquake Topics

Earthquake Basics

Earthquake Maps

Preparedness Steps

Explore Educational Resources

Earthquake and Seismic Information

Advanced Learning & Research