Concepts used:

Measurement

24 Hour Clock

Elapsed Time

Rate

Distance formula


Grade level:

Grades 6-9


Subject areas:

Math

Geography

Science


Standards

NCTM

- Measurement

- Data Analysis

- Connections

  1. -Representation

  2. -Technology


NETS*S

1b, 2c, 3a, 5a, 6a, 6b

2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami Activity (Kmz file)

Objectives

  1. Measure the distance tsunami waves travelled to 18 locations.

  2. Figure elapsed times for wave travel.

  3. Calculate the speed tsunami waves travelled


Lesson Description

The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami touched virtually every ocean shoreline on the planet.  In this activity the students will calculate the speeds these killer waves took across the ocean using Google Earth.  Included in the file is a tour of 33 locations affected by the tsunami with descriptions.  The students will use the Google Earth ruler tool to measure the distance to 18 of these locations and calculate the rate the waves travelled to each.

Cross-curricular explorations in Science and Geography is highly recommended for this activity.



Downloads:

2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami Activity - Google Earth Kmz file

Student Assignment Sheet - Word.doc

Tsunami Travel Log Worksheet - Word.doc



Note:  Many helpful links are contained on the last two placemarks: Credit and Images.





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