Talking to students about Japan’s earthquake and tsunami

By Phil Nast March 14, 2011 10:26 am

Most changes in Earth’s crust are too gradual to perceive, but spectacular events like earthquakes are geology in fast-forward. The changes are dramatic and unmistakable. Here are some Internet resources illustrating how earthquakes and tsunamis happen.

The New York Times is a good source of information on Japan’s earthquake and tsunami. The lead page links to related articles, interactives, photos, and video clips. USGS has an entry providing maps, scientific data, an animation of the tsunami’s progress across the Pacific, and an Incorporated research Institutions for Seismology (IRIS) Teachable Moment Presentation that includes more animations and a description of the Tsunami Warning System.

Earthquakes. The USGS has a site for kids that explains the science of earthquakes and provides games, animations, photos, and more. A link from this page for Student and Teachers provides a searchable library of K-12 resources and lessons. Here are some sample lessons: Earthquakes on the Surface, Magnitude vs Intensity, and the Human Wave

Other useful sites are the IRIS Seismic Monitor which locates recent seismic activity and links to lessons and more, Plate Tectonics for NOAA’s Ocean Explorer site that provides an concise animated lesson that could shown on a SmartBoard, and specifically for younger students: FEMA For Kids: Disaster Connection.

Tsunamis. Reporting on Japan’s tsunami can be found at the New York Times website noted above as well as the USGS website.

NOAA’s Tsunami Website provides general information including animations and specific information on Japan’s March 11 event. NOAA’s Center for Tsunami Research explains the Deep-ocean Assessment and Reporting of Tsunamis (DART) system. Tsunami and Earthquake Research at the USGS is a comprehensive collection of resources.

The Australian government has a lesson plan on tsunamis as does PBS. This lesson provides instructions for building a wave tank to demonstrate a tsunami. There are a number of websites with animations and activities. Three of the best are PBS’s Savage Seas: The Crows Nest, NOAA’s Ocean Explorer on Ocean Waves, and USGS’s Tsunami and Earthquake Research.

Potential Nuclear Disaster. Nuclear power plants always face certain risks but those near plate boundaries are particularly vulnerable. At present Japan is dealing with a damaged reactor. This last activity should provide virtual experience maintaining a nuclear reactor’s cooling system. The Applet includes brief instructions, three scenarios, and a randomized mode that tests student decision making skills.

UPDATE: Phil Nast has also written about helping students cope with natural disasters.

Comments
4

Comments (4)

Phil Nast - Monday, March 14th, 2011 05:34 pm GMT -4

Here’s an additional link to graphics: “How Shifting Plates Caused the Earthquake and Tsunami in Japan”

http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2011/03/11/world/asia/maps-of-earthquake-and-tsunami-damage-in-japan.html

Reply
Mag - Wednesday, March 16th, 2011 07:41 pm GMT -4

Any ideas for dealing with the TRAUMA of it? That is a very real piece of this–this is real, now, happening and some kids have family there.

Reply
- Phil Nast - Friday, March 18th, 2011 10:22 am GMT -4
  
  Here is a four page pdf from the National Association of School Psychologists:
  http://www.nasponline.org/resources/crisis_safety/globaldisasters.pdf
  It provides links to other resources as well.
  
  Also:
  http://www.famlit.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/DisasterTips.pdf
  http://nccic.acf.hhs.gov/poptopics/disasters.html
  http://www.kellybear.com/TeacherArticles/TeacherTip60.html
  http://www.aboutourkids.org/articles/talking_kids_about_world_natural_disasters
  
  Also take a look at Child Trauma Handbook: A Guide For Helping Trauma-exposed Children And Adolescents by Ricky Greenwald.
  
  Reply
  - Phil Nast - Friday, March 18th, 2011 11:09 am GMT -4
    
    For a look at the role of social media in disaster reporting, see:
    
    How Social Media, Internet Changed Experience of Japan Disaster
    http://www.pbs.org/mediashift/2011/03/how-social-media-internet-changed-experience-of-japan-disaster-074.html
    
    Reply