LURGIO SEISMOGRAPH
Ross A. Lurgio Middle School (Bedford) has
partnered with the Boston College Weston Observatory through their Educational
Seismology Project (BC-ESP) to bring authentic scientific learning to students.
Through the generous support of the Bedford Education Foundation (BEF), we were
able to install a seismograph just inside the school’s main entrance. The
seismograph is actively collecting data on worldwide seismic activity which is
displayed on a large-screen monitor.
The acquisition of the seismograph has been an
ongoing process that was completed
this fall. The BEF and additional private donations funded all of the equipment
and educator professional development costs. Teachers are being trained on how
to maintain the equipment, interpret the seismographic data, and integrate this
technology into their lessons and activities.
According to the BC-ESP online curriculum
website, “Seismographs measure the pulse of the Earth and provide direct
information about earthquakes, plate tectonics, and the structure of the
Earth’s interior.” Eighth-grade students will now be able to observe and use
real-time data to investigate worldwide seismic movement. John Boucher, the
district K-8 Math and Science Curriculum Coordinator, brought the idea to the
middle school in 2016. According to Mr. Boucher, “We have worked for a few
years trying to bring this real-world program to the Bedford School District.
With the support of the BEF, we have been able to establish this partnership
with Boston College. This data collection will not only support our students
but will also contribute to the data compiled and analyzed by the Weston
Observatory.” Lurgio science teachers are collaborating with experts from
Boston College to carry out lessons on various aspects of Earth science.
More information can be found on the Ross A
Lurgio web page under the academics tab. http://www.sau25.net/LurgioQuake
Article contributors: Kristen
Gauthier, John Boucher, Tom Laliberte
