Tsunami Resources

This collection of articles, lessons, and printables will help your students understand tsunamis and the devastating effects they may cause in the world. Study the science of tsunamis with activities about waves. You will also find resources to help children prepare for and respond to disasters. The tsunami that occurred in December 2004 in many parts of Asia and East Africa would be a good example to help your class see how natural disasters can cause wide-scale crisis in a country or region.

General References Frequently Asked Questions about Tsunamis Find answers to commonly asked questions about tsunamis -- the science behind them and their history. How a Tsunami Occurs Learn how a tsunami occurs. What Is a Tsunami? Learn about the causes of and history behind tsunamis. Hurricane Resource: Storm Surge Learn how storm surges are formed and how you can protect your family from the effects of a storm surge. Lesson Plans Tsunamis by the Book Students will learn about the ocean wave condition known as a tsunami, and demonstrate their understanding in a self-made book. Wave Bottle Students will create wave bottles and observe the motion and patterns of waves. This lesson is a great supplement to the study of oceans, tsunamis, and the moon. Activities & Worksheets Reading Warm-Up 76 for Gr. 1 & 2: Current Events The printable daily warm-up helps your students master important reading skills with a reading passage and comprehension questions on current events – the December 2004 tsunami that affected Asia and East Africa. Dangerous Wave Discuss the destructive power of several historic tsunamis. Also covered is how scientists measure and predict underwater earthquakes. Children are provided with review and critical thinking questions. Reading Warm-Up 56 for Gr. 5 & 6: Science Students learn about waves as they improve their reading comprehension skills with the science reading passage and questions in this printable warm-up. Speedy Mediums Students determine the speed of waves in two different mediums: water and vegetable oil. Tests their understanding of concepts related to waves. Scoring rubric and background notes included. Investigate Activity: Investigating Currents and Waves Students make a model of a current and waves, and observe how waves affect the movement of currents. Materials list, advance preparation instructions, lab hints and tips, safety tips, rubric, worksheets, and answer key are provided.

Safety Preparation Fact Sheet: Tsunamis Learn what to do in the case of a tsunami in your area. Disaster Supply Kit Learn what to keep in a disaster supply kit so that you are prepared in the case of an emergency or evacuation. Survival Kits The best way to handle a disaster is to be prepared, as students learn in this printable. More Safety Resources Emotional Response Impact of Death on Students with Exceptionalities Learn how to help the exceptional child deal with the impact of death-related crises. Feeling Words Chart A comprehensive chart of feeling words. Lists include anger, hurt, confusion, happiness, sadness, and fear words. Helping Students Deal with Crises These resources will help to guide you and your students through difficult times. Intervention Strategies for Disaster How to prepare yourself and your class for disasters. Development of a Child's Understanding of Death An age breakdown of the development of children understanding death. Helping Kids Cope in a Time of Crisis and Fear Peruse an article that is intended for parents, but has useful advice for teachers. It details, by age levels, how to explain horrific events to children. More Social & Emotional Issues - Teacher Resources Related Resources Natural Disasters – Teacher Resources Examine the science behind natural disasters with printables, lessons, and references on hurricanes, floods, and tornadoes. Prepare students for severe weather and geological events with safety tips. Oceans – Teacher Resources Browse our resources about oceans to find great lessons and printables for grades K-12. Teach your students about animals, tsunamis, seashore ecology, and much more with these activities! Earth Science Teacher Resources Our earth science printables, lessons, and activities will excite and motivate your students to become more active participants in their world. Teach them about fossils, tsunamis, sediments, and more!