The Wave
Source Institutions
-
Aquarium of the Bay
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In this multi-step experiment (page 4 of pdf), learners study tide pools, and then drop a "wave" (a 4-pound bag of beans or birdseed) on a shell to mimic the force of crashing surf on tide pool animals. Next, learners create tide pool animals from card stock, masking tape, and string and predict how well their creature will withstand the 'wave.' After dropping the "wave" on the hand-made animals, learners record the results and discuss why some animals fared better than others. This is a great activity to use before or after a field trip to a tide pool or an aquarium with a tide pool exhibit.
- 5 to 10 minutes
- 45 to 60 minutes
- 1 cent - $1 per student
- Ages 8 - 11
- Activity, Experiment/Lab Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan, Simulation
- English
Quick Guide
Materials List (per student)
- 4lb bag of birdseed, rice, or beans (this your “wave”)
- duct tape and freezer bags to reinforce the “the wave” packaging
- shells
- string
- index cards or card stock
- scissors for students
- masking tape
- “The Wave” worksheet (page 6 of pdf)
Subjects
- Earth and Space Science
- Earth Structure
- Oceans and Water
- Earth, Moon and Sun
- Tides
- Earth Structure
- Life Sciences
- Diversity of Life
- Animals
- Ecology
- Ecosystems
- Evolution
- Mechanisms of Evolution
- Diversity of Life
- The Nature of Science
- The Scientific Process
- Conducting Investigations
- Gathering Data
- Formulating Explanations
- The Scientific Process
Informal Categories
- Animals
- Model Building
- Nature and Environment
Audience
To use this activity, learners need to:
- see
- read
- be mobile
- touch
Learning styles supported:
- Involves teamwork and communication skills
- Involves hands-on or lab activities
Other
Includes alignment to state and/or national standards
This resource is part of:
Access Rights:
- Free access
By:
Rights:
- All Rights Reserved, Aquarium of the Bay,
