I Survived the Great Alaska Earthquake, 1964

By: Lauren Tarshis

I Survived the Great Alaska Earthquake, 1964 by Lauren Tarshis follows 11-year-old Jackson Barrett as he experiences the most powerful earthquake in U.S. history, facing collapsing buildings, ground fissures, and tsunamis while trying to survive.

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In this lesson, students explore I Survived the Great Alaska Earthquake, 1964 by Lauren Tarshis, following the story of 11-year-old Jackson Barrett as he experiences one of the most powerful earthquakes in U.S. history. Through reading and discussion, students examine the impacts of natural disasters, including collapsing buildings, ground fissures, and tsunamis, and consider how people respond in emergency situations. The lesson builds connections between historical events, survival skills, and scientific understanding of earthquakes and their effects.

• Core Content: ELA and Computer Science

• Grade Levels: Grade 4

• Time Required: 16 class sessions

• ME Career Connection: Students use the engineering design process to complete hands-on activities while exploring real-world microelectronics careers, applying problem-solving, creativity, and collaboration to design solutions and see how these skills connect to ME professions.

• Authors: April Snedeker