Catastrophic Events C. Al-Dahr, M. Karns, S. Martinez, L. Sprague, D. Welling Designing and Producing Educational Technology Course; CMP555 Mark Clauburg; Instructor February 10, 2006
Introduction Tsunamis are among the most destructive natural disasters, terrifying people all over the world. This secondary level instructional lesson plan is based on the ASSURE model. This Tsunami curriculum unit will integrate media and technology in order to maximize student learning.
Catastrophes As a synonym of a disaster “is the impact of a natural or man-made event that negatively affects life, property, livelihood or industry often resulting in permanent changes to human societies, ecosystems and environment” Wikipedia, 2006
Tsunamis Tsunamis are produced by a series of waves, generated by a massive water displacement Earthquakes, landslides, volcanic eruptions and large meteorite impacts all have the potential to generate a tsunami Wave speed formulas are used to predict the distance, time, and overall impact a tsunami tidal may produce In teams of two to three, explore the use of a Wave Speed Formula using the handout sheets found at: _curriculum_7_12.pdf _curriculum_7_12.pdf Wikipedia, 2006
Tsunami Loss Man caught in a tsunami tidal wave Tsunamis.com
Differences Tsunami and Wind Shore
Historical Evidence Beginning with 6100 BC, create a timeline depicting when catastrophic tsunami events occurred Wikipedia, 2006 Supply a brief description of each known occurrence, providing the time and place, of each impact Explain what measures were taken to assist with survivors and rebuilding efforts Use information found at
Physical Evidence Tidal waves flood entire land masses Sweeping away people, homes, and livelihoods away Leaving behind devastation and several inches of physical evidence USGS, 1999
Pacific Coastal Evidence When the picture of Mr. Vera was taken in 1989, the sand layer was still visible in a stream bank. A similar sand layer from the 1700 Cascadia tsunami covers the remains of a Native American fishing camp exposed in a bank of Oregon’s Salmon River. United States Geological Survey, v/circ/c1187/
Predicting a Tsunami Visual Indicators: Recent earthquakes or other massive event causing water displacement Abnormally receding shoreline
Tsunamis Detection Do you know that tsunami warning systems have been installed in the oceans? Warning systems consist of: Sensors on the ocean floor Buoys on the ocean surface mounted by transmitters Satellites orbiting overhead to receive the warning signals transmitted
Tsunami Warning System
Tsunami Devastations in Thailand Tsunamis.com
Research As a team, develop a list of tsunami questions to research, such as: –What land masses were affected? –How did it impact the region/area? –Where did the events take place? –When did tsunami warning signs become noticed? –What humanitarian efforts were put into place to assist surviving communities?
Research (continued) –How are these events being used to predict and prevent future loss of human life? –What are the dangers of tsunamis? –What can we do to avoid the dangers? –What triggers a tsunami? –What geological changes take place when a tsunami occurs? –Can a tsunami be detected early? –What technology is used to detect a tsunami?
Presentation of Research Teams will be given their own Oceanic Region to examine Members will analyze the documented evidence of tsunami events and prepare a research report on their region Build or illustrate a 3-D model of their given region and be able to demonstrate how a tsunami has or will affect that area Then they will present their information in oral form with the aid of a PowerPoint presentation and 3-D model or illustration
Website Resources Blogger, tsunami survivor stories at offers a plethora of survival stories. CNN, After the Tsunami at this site provides the latest news on Indian Ocean Tsunami; written and animated explanations for a tsunami; slide show; timelines; maps; and news reports Department of Earth and Space Sciences, Tsunami at offers in-depth analysis from leading tsunami scientists; animated clips and diagrams; as well as current warning information FEMA, Tsunami at offers information on NOAA’s tsunami wave system; pet disaster plans; and even an activity survival list for kids. Lonely Planet, Tsunami Updates at offers an impact map; information on humanitarian projects; current humanitarian updates; and travel blogs.
Website Resources (continued) National Geographic Kids at for students with special needs National Geophysical Data Center (NGDC), Tsunami Data at NGDC, provides viewers with up-to- date database information on tsunamis; interactive maps; slides illustrating the effects and damage; and a variety of tsunami publications and records National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) at offers links to Tsunami Centers around the world; terminology; observations and data; warning and forecasts; research and modeling; basic information; and relief efforts Nova – The Wave that Shook the World at articles and images MSNBC, Tsunami, A Year Later at identifies current news articles; satellite imagery; map of the disaster areas; and other resource informationhttp://
The South-East Asia Earthquake and Tsunami Blog at help.blogspot.com/ offers records of survival and loss; humanitarian relief agency resources; geological surveys; and updated news eventshttp://tsunami help.blogspot.com/ Tsunami, the Great Wave at this site offers information on a Tsunami event is created and offers tips on saving lives USGS, Surviving a Tsunami – Lessons from Chile, Hawaii, and Japan at offers detailed information with photographs and historical records indicating how these three Tsunamis affected three land masses. Graphs and charts are provided for visual reference and comprehension Wikipedia – Tsunami at this site offers timeline of past tsunami events; animations; diagrams and charts of how tsunamis work; signs that predict another event; emergency planning; and survivor journalshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tsunami Website Resources (continued)
Evaluative Procedures PowerPoint presentations will be evaluated on: –Overall Content –Overall Design –Demonstration of Knowledge –Visual Clarity –Transitions, Animation, and Sounds –Use of Graphics Oral Presentations will be evaluated on: –Organization and Structure –Effective use of Visual Aids –Content of Presentation –Style and Delivery –Hands-on Activity –Audience Feedback
References Dent, L. (2006). Surviving Great Waves of Destruction, Tsunami. Washington Military Department / Emergency Management Division. McDaris, J. (2006). Teaching geoscience with visualizations: Using images, animations, and models effectively. Retrieved January 25, 2006 from PBS. (2006, January). Wave that shook the world. NOVA Teachers. Sale, M. (2005). Calm after the storm. Examining change in Sri Lankan society in the wake of the tsunami. Retrieved January 20, 2006 from v=learning_lessons v=learning_lessons Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. (2006). The Tsunami Detecting System. Retrieved February 8, 2006 from