Why the earth shakes, why volcanoes erupt, and why glaciers advance and recede are some of the questions addressed by a new University of Illinois Extension website targeted to fifth through sixth graders.

"Shake, Rattle and Slide: The Work of Earthquakes, Volcanoes and Glaciers" can be found at www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/earth/.

U of I Extension natural resources educator Duane Friend says these forces have changed the world dramatically over time and are even at work today.

At the website students can will be able to build a virtual volcano, test the power of an earthquake and make a mountain with a glacier.

The website features cut-away drawings of the earth to demonstrate continental shifts and the effect of the earth's hot core on geographic features.

The website shows where earthquakes have occurred in the last hour, within the last day or week and their severity. It also covers glaciers which have had an important influence on the landscape of Illinois.

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