Sometimes the ground under our feet can move. This story will teach you why it happens and how to stay safe 

When The Earth shakes 

An earthquake is when the ground shakes.

The earth is made of big peices called plates. These platesmove very slowly and when they suddenly slip the ground shakes

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The shaking moves through the earth in waves and those waves are called seismic waves. Seismic waves travel out in all directions. They make building and tress moves

2

Earthquakes start underground.

The place where the earthquake begins is called the focus.

The place on the ground right above is called the epic center.

The epicenter usually feels the strongest shaking 

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Earthquakes happen alomg cracks in the earth.

These cracks are called faults.

Plates push together and get stuck.

When they break free then the ground shakes.

4

Lots of scienticts study earthquakes and they use a certain tool called a seimograph.

A seismorgraph records shaking on a paper or a computer even.

The drawing it makes is called a seisgram

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You can get ready before an earthquake.

Put heavy things on lower and you practice safety drills at school.

Make an emergency kit with water and snacks and all your family´s belongings  

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