Use online wave simulators, watch video and listen to podcast interviews with scientists to understand the cause and impact of tsunamis.

Videos about Tsunamis

Science of a Tsunami (grades 6-12)
This video from CBS News includes footage of the September 2009 tsunami that hit Samoa, as well as the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. It also includes some explanation of how a tsunami happens along with an animation of how the earth's plates move under the ocean, causing a tsunami.
Science NetLinks

Tsunamis: Know What to Do! (grades K-5)
Watch this short film from the San Diego County Office of Emergency Services to understand the basic concepts of tsunamis and safety preparedness.
Science NetLinks

Interviews with Scientists (Podcasts)

Tsunami Barriers
Tsunamis show Mother Nature at her most fierce. But according to one scientist, human activities may contribute to the waves' awesome power.
Science NetLinks

Quake Side Effects
If you feel like the days are going by a little quicker lately, you're right. Our days are now three millionths of a second shorter, because of the 2004 earthquake that caused the devastating tsunamis in southeast Asia. And that's not the only global change.
Science NetLinks

Understanding Natural Disasters (Lesson Plans)

Wave Heights (grades 3-5)
Use the National Geographic Wave Simulator to experiment with various forces while creating different types of waves.
National Geographic Xpeditions

Dealing with Disasters (grades 6-8)
After watching the giant screen film Forces of Nature find out about natural hazards in your own community, and then prepare your response plan should one of them occur.
National Geographic Xpeditions

Related Resources on Hurricanes

Science NetLinks Hurricane Teaching Resources

Hurricane Teaching Resources from Verizon Thinkfinity