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
- Representation
 
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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