Seismologists use the direction and arrival times of p waves and s waves to determine the distance to the source of an earthquake. The engaging lesson has students line up to form human waves. Through different movements when attached, like a solid, and unattached, like a liquid, they form an understanding of p waves and s waves—both on ground and underwater. The eighth lesson in the 20-part series connects earthquakes to seismic waves.

Concepts

seismic waves, earthquakes, p waves, s waves

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Additional Tags

science

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Instructional Ideas

• Discuss if the wave formation would be different if the triggering earthquake happened underwater or on shore near water

Classroom Considerations

• Lesson may take just over an hour and a half if a brisk pace is not maintained
• Requires one Slinky for every four students

Pros

• Ideal for both kinetic and visual learners
• Provides a link to a PowerPoint animation on the types of waves

Cons

• None

Common Core

RST.6-8.3 RST.6-8.4