Seismology in Schools
Bringing Lessons to Life
Since 2014 the UWI Seismic Research Centre (UWI-SRC) has partnered with The National Institute for Higher Education Research Science and Technology (NIHERST) to maintain a network of 8 seismometers in schools across Trinidad and Tobago. The programme exposes students to the basics of seismology and allows them to practically apply concepts in Physics, Mathematics and Geography covered in the classroom. Students and teachers learn to locate earthquakes, calculate earthquake magnitudes and maintain their seismometers.
Students analyse earthquake data using learner-friendly software Jamaseis
Students take part in an annual competition, Shake Squad, which pits the participating schools again each other in a keen test of scientific know-how and artistic creativity. Winners earn a one week “internship” at the UWI-SRC during the Easter school break where they work alongside scientists, engineers, technicians and communicators involved in different branches earth science.
A student admires her earthquake resistant building design during a SIS workshop.
International Partnership
The Trinidad and Tobago network is part of a larger school network hosted by the British Geological Survey (BGS) in the UK. Local students can share data and experiences within this larger network and with other similar school networks throughout the world. Plans include the expansion of the local network, integration into the professional network and collaboration with other regional networks.
Data recorded at local schools can be viewed around the world via an online database.
