3.1
RA T I ONA L E
To understand earthquakes and their effects on Earth’s surface, and to
understand how scientists have learned about Earth’s interior, students
must begin to understand the properties of waves.
F OCU S QU E S T I ON S
How does matter transmit energy in the form of waves?
TEACHING CLUES AND CUES
Metal Slinkies will be
more effective than
plastic ones for this
activity. If you use plastic
OB J E C T I V E S
Students will:
1. Compare and contrast the two main types of earthquake waves and
draw sketches to illustrate them.
2. Describe the manner in which each of the two types transfers energy
and moves Earth particles.
Slinkies, tape two together, with
about 7.5 cm of overlap, for each
pair of students.
PART ONE
P
RIMARY
W
AVES
(P W
AVES
)
MA T E R I A L S
It will be helpful to refer
to Master 2.2b, Earth
Cross Section, as you
talk about waves moving
Q
Student copies of Master 3.1a, Earthquake Wave Background
Q
Slinky toys (One for every two students is ideal.)
Q
White plastic tape
Q
String
Q
Unlined paper
Q
Pencils
P ROC E DUR E
Teacher Preparation
Put the Slinky toys and the tape in a central location where they will
be available to students. Students will mark the coils so they can see
the movement of energy along their length.
through the Earth. You may want to
project the transparency.
A G U
/
F E M A
143
S
E I S M I C
S
L E U T H S
