Lesson: Waves & Tsunami

What forces cause and influence waves?

This lesson examines the variations in the surface of water as energy is transferred in a direction by the water. The influence of wind, the vocabulary of wave structure, the changes that occur in waves as they approach shore and their impact on the shore will be described. Additionally, this lesson will examine waves withing contained bodies of water and the dramatic rise that occurs during tsunamis.

Warm Ups, etc:

Lost at Sea - discuss early mapping techniques and how to find your way at sea

The Ocean in Motion - preview questions about wave vocabulary

Step Into Stick Charts- student generated questions from the Stick Chart/Obit assignment

Standing Wave - definition/explanation of SEICHE

Old News (Tsunami) - review data and information regarding historically important tsunami

Instruction, Presentations, Assignments, Activities, etc:

Assignment: Stick Charts/Obituary- Make Magazine article about Micronesian Stick Charts http://blog.makezine.com/archive/2009/07/lost_knowledge_stick_chart_navigati.html and Economist obituary http://www.economist.com/node/16635898 about Mau Piailug- Students write a brief summary of both articles and then compose three multiple choice questions (no "all" or "none" of the above)

Step Into Liquid - trailer, first scene

Marshall Island myth - Mau Piailug (myth), importance of navigators

Diagrams - Waves Presentation

1) Wave Structure (including wind factors influencing waves)

2) Motion and Energy

3) Formation of Breaker

4) Storm Surge

5) Calculating Wave Speed

WS - Wave Features

Some good videos with wave testing facilities (oblique wave) (regular wave test) (FloWave Exhibition Video)(Slo Mo Guys)

Notes - Tsunami

Web Activity - Tsunami

Seiche - a "standing wave" in which a the crest and trough rotate around an enclosed body of water

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seiche