USING NEWSPAPER ARTICLES AS TEACHING MATERIALS

The recent 5.8 magnitude Virginia earthquake of August 23, 2011 at 17:51 UTC was felt from Georgia to Maine by more people than any other earthquake. The newspaper coverage was also widespread with news reports from all the major newspapers in the eastern U.S. These newspaper reports can be used to teach some significant concepts about earthquakes and the hazards they pose. Newspaper articles from major newspapers including the New York Times, Washington Post, Baltimore Times, USA Today, Philadelphia Inquirer, and Richmond Times Dispatch are used in this poster.

Some very important concepts that led to discussion from the newspapers are stated. Why did the earthquake occur in central Virginia where few earthquakes occur? Why was the earthquake felt over such a widespread area? Did the earthquake damage any nuclear power plants to be a threat to residents near the plants? How many people had earthquake insurance in the eastern U.S. and did the event indicate earthquake insurance should be purchased. Do animals really sense earthquakes are going to happen and did they sense this earthquake was about to happen? Was there major damage to any historical buildings in Washington D.C. such as the Washington Monument and National Cathedral and are the buildings in Washington D.C. built to withstand a major earthquake? Finally, are most buildings and other infrastructure built to withstand an earthquake in the eastern U.S. and what is the probability of a major quake in the eastern U.S.?

All these questions are addressed in the newspaper articles for discussion.