Our talented team of Museum educators is committed to providing an engaging experience that brings SOL-related content to life for your students. We bring passion and energy to each program to ensure the highest level of impact and retention. To learn more about this program, click on one of the format options listed below.
Choose your experience:
Duration: 75 minutes
Earthquakes, volcanoes, and tsunamis make the Pacific Ring of Fire one of the most dynamic regions on Earth. Students will investigate the geologic forces behind these hazards through plate-tectonics review, real-world tsunami case studies, and an engineering challenge that connects Earth science to community resilience.
Explore Plate Tectonics and Investigate Tsunami Case Studies
Students will review the layers of the Earth, plate tectonics, the three major plate boundaries, as well as the natural disasters that can occur at each boundary. Then, students will investigate three tsunami case studies from Japanese, Alaskan, and Polynesian communities to identify the four causes of tsunamis.
Engineer a Tsunami-Proof Boat
Students will draw inspiration from the Museum’s collection to design, build, and test their own tsunami-proof boat models following the engineering design cycle.
By investigating real events and engineering their own solution, students will strengthen teamwork, systems thinking, and problem-solving while putting classroom Earth science to work on a real-world challenge.
Teachers will have the choice of a docent-led tour or a self-guided, themed scavenger hunt through the galleries to complete the experience.
Duration: 75 minutes
Earthquakes, volcanoes, and tsunamis make the Pacific Ring of Fire one of the most dynamic regions on Earth. Students will investigate the geologic forces behind these hazards through plate-tectonics review, real-world tsunami case studies, and an engineering challenge that connects Earth science to community resilience.
Explore Plate Tectonics and the Ring of Fire
Students will review the layers of the Earth, plate tectonics, the three major plate boundaries, and the natural disasters that can occur at each boundary. Together, we will explore what makes the Ring of Fire unique.
Investigate Tsunami Case Studies
Students will investigate three tsunami case studies from Japanese, Alaskan, and Polynesian communities.
Engineer a Tsunami-Proof Boat
Students will practice the engineering design cycle by designing, building, and testing their own tsunami-proof boat models.
By investigating real events and engineering their own solution, students will strengthen teamwork, systems thinking, and problem-solving while putting classroom Earth science to work on a real-world challenge.
Learning Objectives
- Students will describe the layers of the Earth, plate tectonics, and the movement of Earth’s crust in relation to these topics.
- Students will identify the causes of a tsunami, how tsunami waves travel, and the effects of tsunamis.
- Students will show cultural competence by discussing how the populations around the Ring of Fire contend with natural disasters.
- Students will practice skills used by engineers and boat builders by working together to build and test a tsunami-proof boat model based on examples from the Museum’s collection.
Science (VDOE 2018):
- Elementary: 5.1 (a-f); 5.2 (a-c); 5.3 (b, d, e); 5.8 (1-e)
- Middle:PS.1 (a-d); PS.6 (a-c); PS.8 (b)
Next Generation Science Standards:
- Elementary: 3-5-ETS1-1, 2, 3
- Middle: MS-ESS2-1, 2, 3
Principles of Ocean Literacy:
- 1) The Earth has one big ocean with many features
- 5) The ocean and humans are inextricably interconnected
Pricing:
Payment can be made before the program, or we can invoice following your program.
- Programs at the Museum are $4.50 per student.
All adults accompanying a field trip are free. - Programs at your location are $4.50 per student.
- Virtual education programs are $125 per program.
Reservations are required for all programs and are booked on a first-come, first-served basis. Programs fill quickly in the fall and spring, so make your reservations a minimum of two weeks in advance.
Need some questions answered?
Our team is happy to answer any questions you may have, or recommend the best program for your class.
Call or email our Education team:
[email protected]
(757) 591-7745
