Like rain, an earthquake is a natural occurrence which may be mild or catastrophic. Although an earthquake may last only a few seconds, the processes that cause it have operated within the earth for millions of years. Until recently, the cause of earthquakes was a mystery and the subject of fanciful folklore to people all around the world. This curriculum considers both scientific and popular explanations for the phenomenon, and discusses the pattern of earthquakes worldwide. The series of lessons in this teaching package are basically hands-on experiences which require materials already in the classroom or those that are easily located. The manual consists of six units: (1) "Defining an Earthquake"; (2) "Why and Where Earthquakes Occur"; (3) "Physical Results of Earthquakes"; (4) "Measuring Earthquakes"; (5) "Recognizing an Earthquake"; and (6) "Earthquake Safety and Survival." An appendix deals with information on the background of earthquakes including legends; definition; plate tectonic theory and occurrence; types of plate motion and detection; the book of legends; and the curriculum's scope and sequence chart. Reproducible materials are included for teacher use. (RT)