In this tsunami activity, students read about tsunamis and then research a real tsunami event to understand how tsunamis form, how they move across the ocean, the damage they cause, and how scientists detect and predict these powerful natural disasters. Perfect to support NGSS MS-ESS3-2!
In this activity, students will:
- Read a 1-page reading passage about tsunamis.
- Answer “check for understanding” questions.
- Choose a significant tsunami to research (8 are provided to choose from).
- Research the tsuamni. Students are led step-by-step through the research process. A graphic organizer is provided that has sections for each aspect of the tsunami that the students will research. So, this is a “hand-holding” type of research activity, not a rigorous one!
- Create a presentation about the tsunami (OPTIONAL).
This tsunami lesson includes:
- Reading passage with follow-up worksheet
- Detailed, step-by-step research instructions – easy to follow!
- 8 Suggested examples of significant tsunamis (students choose one)
- “Research Organizer” graphic organizer to help students organize their research and focus their thinking
- Student-friendly grading rubric – easy to grade!
Teachers will appreciate this tsunami activity because the reading, instructions, and expectations are simple and straightforward. The rubric is uncomplicated. And the included graphic organizer makes it easy for a wide range of students to organize what they are learning as they perform their research.
Teacher Notes:
- Please note that this resource is not editable.
- Save paper! A digital Google Slides option to assign is provided along with the printable PDF.
- The presentation portion is OPTIONAL. Students can complete only the reading, worksheet, and research if needed.
- NGSS MS-ESS3-2: Analyze and interpret data on natural hazards to forecast future catastrophic events and inform the development of technologies to mitigate their effects.
- You can also shop my TPT store!
