Evidence of a Restless Planet

Excite your senses with a new, visually stunning planetarium show that journeys through the San Andreas fault, delves into the Earth’s core and explores the seismic science of earthquakes throughout our world.

Educator Guides

Earthquake Exhibit Educator Guide (6-12) [PDF]

Earthquake Planetarium Show Educator Guide (6-12) [PDF]

Walk-through Earth

What happens on Earth's surface is directly related to what is happening inside the planet. Step into Earth's interior to see what drives plate tectonics. Examine geologic specimens related to the core, mantle and crust. Explore how earthquake waves tell us about the inner workings of Earth's solid core.

San Francisco Shakes

The Shake House is back! Travel back in time to see, hear and feel two earthquakes—an updated version of one of the Academy's most popular past exhibits—lets you experience the sustained tremors of the city's two biggest quakes, the 6.9–magnitude Loma Prieta earthquake and the 7.9–magnitude Great San Francisco quake of 1906.

This immersive experience puts you inside the dining room of a classic Victorian-era home with a window view of San Francisco's famed "Painted Ladies" houses of Alamo Square. You'll travel back in time to feel the difference between these two quakes and learn useful tips on preparing for the Bay Area's next one.

More Fun Facts

• Inside the Shake House, the walls are painted white. Everything that rattles and bounces during a quake is brightly colored.
• "Water" in the sealed fish bowl is actually mineral oil. It was chosen because actual water would turn green with algae growth and need to be regularly changed.
• This room has no breakable items. The plates, glasses, mirror and fishbowl are all made of plastic.
• The chandelier uses LED light strips to simulate incandescent lighting of 1989 and the flickering gas lights of 1906.
• Be sure to look at the titles on the lower shelf of the book case. Reading from left to right, you'll see how these titles literally spell out the larger idea behind the entire Earthquake exhibit.
• The room's framed painting pays tribute to the schooner Academy, an 89–foot sailing vessel that took Academy scientists to the Galapagos Islands in 1905. The great 1906 earthquake struck San Francisco during the expedition, destroying the Academy's original Market Street building and a majority of the collection. The 75,000 specimens collected in the Galapagos formed the basis of the new, rebuilt Academy in Golden Gate Park.

Advisory

• The Shake House experience lasts for three minutes.
• Children ages 3 years or younger are not permitted in the Shake House.
• For safety's sake, all persons in your party must be able to grip the railing securely.
• Wheelchairs are accommodated in the Shake House exhibit.
• Please hold on to your children.
• Strollers are not permitted. Stroller parking is provided in the exhibit.
• If you wish, you can bypass the Shake House. Just ask Academy staff for assistance.

Connect the Continents Game

Recreate the ancient landmass Gondwana in a new interactive game. Up to five people can collaborate, using iPad 3s to direct puzzle pieces at their fingertips to rotate and move across an 85-inch plasma screen for all to see.

Build a Kit

Location Matters

Do you know what to do if you're at work when an earthquake strikes? What if you're at home? What if you're in a car or on public transportation?

Test your knowledge and learn great tips!

Take the Earthquake Quiz

Get Kids Involved

There are several easy steps you can take to be prepared for an earthquake. After visiting the exhibit, involve family members and children to create a preparedness plan. Glean important tips on how to stay safe during and after a quake with this Quake Ready guide.

Download these kit-building content cards to share with your children.

Earthquake Course

Earthquake Engineering

Not all buildings are created equal. Learn how scientists are using seismic science to build stronger, safer buildings.

Watch here