Science 8

Second Quarter
A.Y 2023-2024

Laboratory Activity No.1: EARTHQUAKE 101

I. DESCRIPTION
An earthquake is a natural phenomenon that is characterized by a sudden shaking of the ground caused
by seismic waves through the Earth’s rocks.
In the succeeding activities, you will thoroughly learn earthquakes’ epicenter and focus, differentiating
epicenter from magnitude and understanding the difference between active and inactive faults.
Learning Targets:  I can identify the epicenter
 I can differentiate focus from epicenter
 I can differentiate intensity from magnitude
 I can demonstrate how movement along faults affects the
surroundings
Prepared by: Ms. Aiza C. Cabatingan

II. BACKGROUND

Earthquakes are one of the most devastating natural disasters that can occur. When an earthquake
hits, it is important to determine its epicenter so that people can be warned and protected from its
effects. The epicenter is the point on the Earth’s surface that is the origin of the earthquake, and
understanding it is key to minimizing the damage caused by the quake.
The epicenter of an earthquake can be determined by studying the seismic waves that are produced
by the quake. Seismic waves, or waves of energy, travel through the Earth’s crust and can be
detected by seismographs that measure their intensity. By studying the seismic waves, scientists
can determine the epicenter of the earthquake and its magnitude, or the intensity of the quake.

III. PRE-LABORATORY REPORT (40 points)

Directions: Read the whole laboratory activity sheet. Write a Pre-Laboratory Journal before
conducting the actual laboratory activity. Refer to page 19 of the Common Laboratory Apparatus
and Equipment for JHS Handout in writing your journal.

Note: Submit your Journal before conducting the activity. We will strictly implement the “No
journal no activity” policy.

IV. MATERIALS
MATERIALS/REAGENTS DESCRIPTION QUANTITY
Note: The materials below will be prepared by the students.
two small boxes (fruit juice 2
boxes are ideal – zest-o box)

scotch tape 1

rubber band 4

paper clip 2-4

 IV. SAFETY MEASURES AND PRECAUTIONS

1. Wear Appropriate Attire: Always wear lab-appropriate clothing, including long pants or skirt,
closed-toed shoes, and a lab gown.
2. Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): If necessary, wear a face mask, gloves, or safety
goggles (or glasses) to protect you from splashes, chemical fumes, or flying debris.
3. Use gloves when handling chemicals, specimens, or hot materials.
4. Know the Emergency Exits and Equipment: Familiarize yourself with the location of
emergency exits, eyewash stations, safety showers, fire extinguishers, and first aid kits.
5. Follow Instructions: Carefully read and understand the lab instructions and procedures before
starting any experiment.
6. Handle Glassware Carefully: Inspect glassware for cracks or defects before use. Handle
glassware with care to avoid breakage and injury.
7. Dispose of Waste Properly: Dispose of laboratory waste, including chemicals and contaminated
materials, in designated containers. Follow waste disposal guidelines provided by your
instructor.
8. Report Accidents and Incidents: Report any accidents, spills, or injuries to your instructor
immediately, no matter how minor they may seem. Seek medical attention for any injuries or
exposures to chemicals or biological materials.

V. PROCEDURE
Part A
Analyze the illustration below. There are two areas where earthquakes can be felt. The black
dot is the epicenter of the earthquake.

Figure 1. Area A Figure 2. Area B

Illustrated by DS Villanueva, ILSNMSMD

From the illustration above:

1. Describe the damages observe in Area A and Area B?
___________________________________________________________________.

2. Which area will most damage be observed? In area A or in Area B?

________________________________________________________________.
3. Why are there more damages observed in Area A than in Area B?
______________________________
 4. Why do they differ in their damages? ________________________________.

(Continuation of Part A: IV. Data and Observation)

In the succeeding activity, we would know more and understand how faults generate earthquake

Part B

Procedure:
1. Attach the rubber band to the paper clip. Then attach the paper clip to the bottom part of one box.

2. Place the boxes side by side. Attached them together lightly by putting scotch tape at the center.
Then put a toy house on the box with a rubber band attached. Remember, do not stick the tape on
the boxes too much. The tape is meant to wear off.

3. Hold the box without the rubber band in place. With your other hand, slowly pull on the rubber
band. The rubber band should be pulled forward and horizontally and not sideways upward or
downward.
4. Keep on pulling on the rubber band and observe what happens.
GUIDE QUESTIONS:
Q1: What happens to the rubber band?
Q2: What happens to the box attached to the rubber band?
Q3: What happens to the “house”?
Q4: What is the “fault” in this setup?
Q5: How do faults produce quakes?
VI. DATA AND OBSERVATION
From Part A. (Continuation)

In order to discuss accurately the damages observed, the data below will help you
understand further the illustration.

Area A Area B
Date of Occurrence October 29, 2019 October 29, 2019

Time of Occurrence 10:42 AM 10:42 AM

Intensity VII III
Magnitude 6.6 6.6
Table 1. Records of Earthquake Data

5. Describe the area where the intensity and magnitude are high.
___________________________________________________________________.

6. Are intensity and magnitude the same? _____________________________________.

Let us have another data below,

AREA A (ACTIVE FAULT)

Date of Occurrence Magnitude Intensity

July 09, 2019 5.6 VI

July 13, 2019 5.7 VI

October 16, 2019 6.3 VII

October 29, 2019 6.6 VII

October 31, 2019 6.5 VII

Table 2. Records of Earthquake Data (Active Fault)

AREA B (INACTIVE FAULT)

Date of Occurrence Magnitude Intensity

October 31, 2019 6.6 III

Table 3. Records of Earthquake Data (Inactive Fault)

7. How would you describe the area with active fault based on the data given?
________________________________________________________________________.
8. How about the area with inactive faults?
________________________________________________________________________.
VI. POST LABORATORY REPORT (60 points)

Directions: Write a post-laboratory activity report. Refer to page 23 of the Common

Laboratory Apparatus and Equipment for JHS Handout in writing your report and follow the
following format:
1. Paper size: 8.5” inch x 11” inch (letter size)
2. Font style: Times New Roman
3. Font size: 12

Note: Submit your Post-Laboratory Report a week after conducting the activity.

You are expected to include the following in your post-laboratory report:

4. Results and Discussion
a. Answer the following guide questions. (For part A and part B)
b. Include your observations (For part A and part B)

5. Appendices
a. Pictures for every set-up (Part B) with description
b. References