Introduction

Scope & Sequence

Course Outlines

Assessment

Resources

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Main Topics & Concepts

P-waves, S-waves and surface waves; general wave propagation.
How seismic waves can be used to explore the earth's interior.

Standards

SFUSD Performance Standard 9.3 "Comparing and contrasting the differences between transverse and longitudinal waves."
SFUSD Performance Standard 17.5 "Using the distance and timing between S and P waves to determine the epicenter of an earthquake..."

Science Probe Text

Science Probe I, Chapter 11, Section 11.3 and Chapter 12, Section 12.1 are relevant to the unit on seismic waves.

Activity	Access	Description
Science Probe II: Activity 13C Earthquake Wave Models		This classic activity easily demonstrates the difference between S and P waves. It can be supplemented by other earthquake models.
Science Probe II: Activity 13E Probing the Earth's Interior		Students explore how the velocity of energy waves (sound) is affected by the density of the medium through which they travel. Then they apply this understanding to determine how the density of the Earth's interior changes with depth.

Activities & Lessons

Activity	Access	Description
Seismic Waves and the Slinky Larry Braile		A teachers guide designed to introduce the concepts of waves - particularly seismic waves that propagate within the Earth. Includes activities on elasticity, demonstarting seismic wave types with the Slink, and the Human wave. In addition to the Web page, a pdf file is available.
Listening to earthquakes USGS		This Web site makes comparisons between sound and seismic waves and allows visitors to "hear" earthquakes. A fun introduction to motivate comparisons among different types of waves.

Resources

Resources	Access	Description
Seismic - Waves Computer Program Alan Jones of SUNY Binghamton		Windows-based computer program by Alan Jones for illustrating the propagation and recording of seismic waves through the Earth. Available free from his Web page. This program will be fun for both students and teachers. Some teachers have reported problems installing the program with certain anti-virus detectors.
Seismic Wave Background Information University of Nevada - Reno		Part of a Web-based college course outline. Uses lots of graphics to explain the background of geophysics. While students could read it, it seems more appropriate as a resource for teachers.
Waves and Energy Transport The Physics Classroom		Part of a high-school physics tutorial. Excellent review of the basic principles of waves. Additional modules cover sound waves and music and light waves and color.