Understanding the Science Behind the Japan Quake and Tsumani

[Kim Lightle]

I've had lots of non-science friends ask me clarifying questions about what they have been hearing and seeing through the media - too bad for them I wasn't an earth science teacher! I thought I would start a list of those blog posts that have been helpful for me in trying to understand the what, why, and repercussions. Please share additional information and resources that have been helpful to you and your students.

 

Japan Struggles to Control Quake-Damaged Nuke Plant - from Wired Science

Fukushima Nuclear Reactor Explained - video from CNN

Japan Quake May Have Shortened Earth Days, Moved Axis - from NASA

Recent Earthquake Teachable Moments: Animations from IRIS - includes video

The Japan Earthquake and Tsunami - from NSTA - includes lessons and activities

Teaching Ideas: The Earthquake and Tsunami in Japan - from New York Times Learning Network

20 Ways to Teach About the Disaster Across the Curriculum - from New York Times Learning Network

 

You can also do a search in the Middle School Portal 2 Digital Library - you’ll get back resources that right on track for middle school science students.

 

[Mary Henton]

Thanks for these, Kim. I was just doing a Diigo search on "Twitter for Educators" (using Diigo to search is a technique I picked up from David Hayward of ITSCO) and tripped over 100+ Teaching Resources about the Japan Crisis. Other than the name of the site (I really hate that as educators we perpetuate the language of sensationalism---but that's another issue!), there appear to be some excellent resources, including interactive graphics.

[Rebecca Lawson]

Thanks Mary and Kim.  I am sure these resources have been most helpful to teachers seeking to make learning relevant to their students.

 

My one earth science student has been on the unit about earthquakes, plate tectonics, etc.  He has certainly gotten a "real" education while watching the events in Japan.

Rebecca

[Sarita Pillai]

Here’s another resource - teachers sharing ideas on how they have integrated learning about the disaster into their English, Science and Health classes among others.

http://learning.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/03/18/teachers-respond-to-th...