The Fracking Model-Evidence Link (MEL) activity engages students in a scientific discussion around the topic of whether or not there is a relation between hydraulic fracturing (fracking) operations and increases in moderate magnitude earthquakes in Midwestern US. With increases in fracking operations, it is important for students to understand how to weigh the connection between evidence and alternative explanations about associated phenomena. The two models presented in the Fracking MEL allow students to engage in scientific discussions just as researchers also examine relations between fracking and earthquakes.
Hopkins, J. D., Crones, P., Burrell, S. Bailey, J. M., & Lombardi, D. (2016). Evaluating the connections between fracking and earthquakes. The Earth Scientist, 32(2), 23-30.