| Lesson Plan |
| Grade: |
Date: 25/02/2026 |
| Subject: Geography |
| Lesson Topic: types of seismic waves: P-waves and S-waves, Love waves and Rayleigh waves |
Learning Objective/s:
- Describe the motion and propagation characteristics of P‑waves, S‑waves, Love waves and Rayleigh waves.
- Compare the speeds, media of travel and typical damage associated with each wave type.
- Explain how seismic wave analysis informs assessment of earthquake and volcanic hazards.
- Apply wave‑speed formulas to calculate velocities for different rock materials.
- Interpret simple seismograms to identify wave arrivals and estimate epicentral distance.
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Materials Needed:
- Projector or interactive whiteboard
- PowerPoint/slide deck with wave diagrams
- Printed seismogram worksheets
- Slinky or ripple‑tank demonstration kit
- Spreadsheet software (Excel or Google Sheets)
- Calculator
- Whiteboard and markers
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Introduction:
Begin with a striking video clip of an earthquake’s shaking, asking students what they felt and why the ground moved that way. Review prior knowledge of basic wave concepts and the difference between body and surface waves. Explain that by the end of the lesson they will be able to identify each seismic wave type and use its properties to assess hazard potential.
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Lesson Structure:
- Do‑now (5'): Students label a quick diagram of wave motion (P, S, Love, Rayleigh) on a handout.
- Mini‑lecture (10'): Teacher presents key characteristics, speed relationships, and the comparative table using slides.
- Guided analysis (12'): In pairs, students examine real seismograms, mark P and S arrivals, calculate Δt and discuss epicentral distance.
- Hands‑on demo (10'): Using a slinky, demonstrate particle motion of Love and Rayleigh waves; students predict motion and record observations.
- Spreadsheet activity (8'): Students input rock density and moduli into a spreadsheet to compute vP and vS for granite, basalt, and sediment.
- Check for understanding (5'): Quick quiz (Kahoot or exit ticket) with three scenario questions linking wave type to damage.
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Conclusion:
Summarise that P‑waves arrive first, S‑waves follow, and surface waves cause the most damage, linking these facts to both earthquake and volcanic risk. Ask students to write one key takeaway on a sticky note as an exit ticket. For homework, assign a short report comparing seismic signatures of a recent tectonic earthquake and a volcanic eruption.
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