"Project, Earthquake," a program designed by the Southern Illinois regional superintendent of schools office to teach earthquake science and preparedness at junior-high and high-school levels, is a reality.

"The new lesson plans give students a strong base in earthquake science," said Pat Orsburn-Robertson, coordinator of the project. "It includes several hands-on science projects, and from there students learn the basics about how to be prepared and stay safe during an earthquake."

The lesson plans are the results of three years work by a committee of teachers and consultants brought together by the superintendent of schools office for Alexander, Pulaski, Massac, Johnson and Union counties.

"The 100-plus-page manuals have been pilot tested in our five-country area," said Orsburn-Robertson.

The junior-high manuals were distributed during fall 1992, following a special training workshop in November of that year. The high-school manuals were distributed statewide in 1993 following a special workshop in October.

"There wasn't anything like this in Illinois," said Orsburn-Robertson. "The office received a $150,000 grant to organize the two 100-plus-page lesson plans."

The goal of the plan was to give students the technical side of earthquakes along with safety information.

The idea for the new project started three years ago, originating from the Governor's Task Force on Earthquake Preparedness.

"We applied for a grant from the task force, and it was granted," said Orsburn-Robertson.

Many science teachers throughout the region had developed their own lesson plans on earthquakes, she said. But it's a difficult task to present such complex subjects from scratch.

"With the grant, the regional office put together some of the best local minds in science classrooms to research earthquakes, specifically the fault lines near Southern Illinois," said Orsburn-Robertson.

A final training session for the high school lesson plans was held at Giant City Park in fall 1993, with teachers and administrators from across the state in attendance.

Ernie Kern, geology professor at Southeast Missouri State University, and Pat Brey, who served as lead consultant on Project Earthquake, were guest speakers at the training session.

The two manuals -- "Earthquakes in Illinois, Sixth through Eighth Grades, Science and Safety Series," 117 pages, and Earthquakes in Illinois High School Science Safety Series," 101 pages -- are now available to high schools throughout the state.

"The lesson plans are available to any teachers who want them," said Orsburn-Robertson. "The office will also help teachers set up workshops in their own region."

"This project has enabled us to develop and collect materials available for loan from our lending library," said Andrea Brown, assistant regional superintendent of schools, headquartered at Shawnee Community College near Ullin. "Included in the package are video tapes, books, curriculum guides, maps, globes and other things pertinent to earthquake education."

The lesson plans include a section on the 1811-12 earthquakes along the New Madrid Fault, which registered more than 8.0, and caused massive land-altering changes.

The junior-high plans also include a lesson on earthquake myths, a history of earthquakes in Illinois and a map detailing Midwest fault lines.

One of the hands-on project is called "Have Your Own Earth and Eat it Too," where students make a pizza with different layers representing parts of Earth's crusts.

In the high-school lesson plans, students go through lessons like "Journey to the Center of the Earth," and "Riding the Waves."

"They participate in a science activity called triangulation, which is used to locate the epicenter of earthquakes," said Orsburn-Robertson. "They learn how to reduce the risk and plan a survival kit."

Orsburn-Robertson said both lesson plans had been pilot-tested by 12 teachers in the southern five counties, and more than 450 students participated.

"There is plenty of room along the way for students to share their own ideas," said Orsburn-Robertson. "The lessons are prepared so they can be easily plugged into any existing science class, and no elaborate equipment is needed."

Each student activity contains "Things to Think About" questions, said Orsburn-Robertson. The "Teacher's Guide" does not include answers for many of the questions.

"The emphasis here is on students generating their own answers and information rather than predetermined responses," said Orsburn-Robertson.

During pilot test site visits, students were observed in various activities, said Orsburn-Robertson. "And a common observation at each site was that students appeared to be enjoying the activities."

"The program is approved by the Illinois State Board of Education," said Brown. "We're in the process now of preparing a final report of the curriculum project for the state."