How Tsunamis Form

Lab Brief #7

🎯 Your mission

Learn the rule. Then catch nature using it.

⚡ The twist

Weather isn't random — it's just complicated.

What you'll learn

Tsunamis are large ocean waves caused by underwater earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, or landslides. They travel fast across the ocean and grow very tall near shore.

Key words

igneous
A rock that forms when melted rock cools and hardens.
metamorphic
A rock changed into a new form by heat and heavy pressure.

Make a hypothesis first

Before you observe: what shape will it leave?

Say your guess out loud — then find out if you were right.

Step 1 of 4 · Read

Look at the vocabulary words and write a definition for each in your own words.

Step 2 of 4 · Do

Build a working model of a volcano using baking soda and vinegar. Observe the eruption and explain what causes real volcanic eruptions.

Step 3 of 4 · Observe

Draw a detailed diagram of what you observe.

Step 4 of 4 · Record

Write a conclusion: what did your results show? Did they match your prediction?

Question 1 of 3

What causes earthquakes?

How sure are you?😐 maybe

Question 2 of 3

What forms when tectonic plates collide?

How sure are you?😐 maybe

Question 3 of 3

What type of rock forms from compressed sediment?

How sure are you?😐 maybe

Mind = blown

🌊 The deepest part of the ocean is deeper than Mount Everest is tall.

Nice work!

You got 0 of 3 right.

Next: Earth's Magnetic Field All lessons

🎯

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✨ More to explore

🌍 Where you see this in real life: This is shaping the ground you walk on, slowly, every single day.

🏆 Stretch challenge (try it this week): Find a rock outside and try to guess how old it is.

👨‍👩‍👧 For the dinner table: “What's the slowest change you can think of?”

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How Tsunamis Form

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