Iris: Seismic Slinky: Modeling P and S Waves in the Classroom

Science learners scrutinize shadow size and quality, and experiment with diffraction. They model superposition of electromagnetic waves, and experiment with interference. These activities are action-packed and challenging for your...

Mr. Khan uses the metaphor of a car to help explain the change in the direction of waves as they hit a boundary between two mediums. He then goes on to explain the relationship between the earth's structure and density and the waves'...

This demonstration explores two of the four (P and S waves) main ways energy propagates from the hypocenter of an earthquake. [8:27]

A demo of how can we model seismic waves in the classroom. [8:27]

What can the P wave tell about the core of the Earth? Find out in a video. [3:26]

The different types of earthquake waves are discussed and illustrated. Features geologist video clip.

In this P and S waves worksheet, students use a Slinky to simulate P and S waves showing compressional and dilational motion.

The sound waves of thunder are made when lightning very quickly heats the air surrounding it, expanding faster than the speed of sound. Learners explore waves through their own movement of string or set waves to constantly oscillate....

Understand the basics of how P and S waves create the seismic shadow zones. [1:48]

What do S waves reveal about the Earth's surface? This video will illustrate the research. [2:11]