SCHOOL science classes are set to be transformed into earth-shattering learning experiences as the University of Plymouth introduces earthquake monitoring equipment into classrooms.

Ten schools from across the South West will be provided with earthquake monitoring equipment.

Teachers from Torpoint to Wells will take part in a workshop hosted by the university, where Dr Paul Denton from the British Geological Survey will teach them how to set up and use seismometers in the classroom.

The schools will then be able to record and analyse the minute vibrations caused by earthquakes happening on the other side of the world – as well as monitoring ground movements closer to home, linking up to the British Geological Survey database to compare their findings with other schools across the country.

Saltash Community School, which attended the workshop last year, has picked up traces from several earthquakes.

Richard Tanner, the school's science technician, said: "We were very pleased to get a clear reading of the New Zealand earthquake earlier this summer, which registered 7.6 on the Richter scale."