A Tsunami Sized Task

So as a wrap up to my waves unit in the Physics20 course I had the students apply their knowledge through the unit to complete a task. Their task was to come up with a design to prevent on-shore destruction from a Tsunami. I made a Tsunami Tank that they could test their designs in. (see video) The students had to use concepts we learned in class to base their design on. Things like energy transfer, interference, reflection, refraction and diffraction were discussed. Some students really got into and some not so much. Along with their design the students have to hand in a report that includes the science behind their design (with proper terminology), a feasibility study, a side effect analysis (environmental, economical and aesthetics) as well, after they tested their design they have to include a reflection on what worked, what didn't and things they would change. I video taped the event and have included the video. Have a look.



Looking back I think I would do this task again. It is a good way to tie together the concepts we learned and it allows the students the opportunity to transfer their knowledge and demonstrate true understanding of the concepts.