This is a science lesson I have done in the past. This lesson goes along with a "power standard" I wrote about for my masters class. This lesson is a lot of fun and gives the students a chance to explore tsunamis and their effects on life and people. One suggestion would be to extend this project for a two week span or longer is possible. I tried to do it within 3 class periods, one hour each, and we could of used more time.
The Power Standard is P.PM.E.1 - All objects and substances have physical property that can be measured.
In this activity, students will build a tabletop village and use it to visualize and measure the relative height and affects of gigantic waves called tsunamis.
WHAT YOU NEED
- computers, books and fact sheets about tsunamis
- A map of the world
- Small cardboard gift boxes or oak tag
- Construction paper
- Tape or glue
- Colored markers
WHAT TO DO
- Read a book about tsunamis to give students background on tsunamis and where they are likely to occur. Have students research tsunamis on the computer a week before this actual lesson. Have students fill in worksheet with information.
- Explain to students that the class will be making a replica of a seaside fishing village or port city to help them visualize the massive size of tsunamis and the destruction they can cause.
- Divide students into small groups, having each group build a different section of the village or city. Encourage students to decide, as a class, which group will make buildings, land area, tsunami, etc.
- Suggest that students make some buildings more than one story high. Later the class will measure to decide how high a story would be in actual height.
- When groups are done, have them assemble the village or city. Before placing the tsunami, they should speculate how high a tsunami wave would reach in the model.
- Have students use the model to discuss what the tsunami would do to the village or city, the affect on the people who live there, and what could be done to prepare for future tsunamis.
TEACHING OPTIONS
- Reading- Students could write a paper on what they would do if they ever encountoured a tsunami, or why their area may never see a tsunami.
- Technology-Students could research areas that have encountered a tsunami and write about the effects of it.
- Math-Students could measure, record and compare heights of tsunamis.
- Social Studies-Students could look at the effects of tsunamis on the life of the city, give an aspect of before and after a tsunami or map out the area of tsunamis within the last 10 years.
Since beginning my masters program in technology it's amazing to see how much technology can play a role in lessons and education. I have began to research different programs that may help some of my lower level learners. What are some of the programs you have seen that are beneficial?