By: Atharv P.
Year: 2022
School: Fairmont Private Schools, North Tustin Campus
Grade: 6
Science Teacher: Joshua Riturban
Atharv, a 6th grader student, has embarked on an ambitious project to better detect tsunamis. His project involves calculating the speed and time of a tsunami and building a wave tank to simulate a tsunami. Atharv’s project is both innovative and timely, as tsunamis can be devastating and early detection is critical to saving lives.
Atharv’s project is unique in that he is building a device that will be able to detect the vibrations that a tsunami will make. He is using a variety of materials to build this device, including acrylic sheets, glue, scissors, paper, pencil, marker, motor, nails, tape, wires, lithium battery, wood boards, marine waterproof glue, masks, drills, screwdriver, safety goggles, metal wires, vibration sensor, 5v adapter, and small red bulb, cement, and legos. The wave tank he is building will simulate a tsunami, and the device he has made will alert him when the tsunami is starting.
Atharv predicts that he will need to take into account the amplitude of the tsunami, how far the tsunami will reach (based on the amplitude), the time, the distance to the shore, and the fact that a tsunami gets taller and slower when it crosses to shallow water. These factors will allow Atharv to determine how long it will take for a tsunami to hit, which is critical information for people living in tsunami-prone areas.
Atharv has demonstrated great creativity and innovation in his project. By building a wave tank and a device to detect tsunamis, he is making a significant contribution to the field of disaster management.