The Abyss

	The Abyss (1989)

	Concept featured in clip:Water Pressure effects on humans and submarines
	Location of clip:
	VHS: Ch. 8-? and Ch. 38 at 1 hour and 52 minutes DVD: Chapter 8- Blowing Down and Chapter 38- Sub Chase Play Flickclip Here (Quicktime)

Summary of clip: Ch.8- Lindsey Brigman and the Navy Seals are being compressed so they can handle the very intense pressure at low sea levels within the submarine. As they are equalizing their body pressure to the pressure of the submarine under the water they discuss the side effects on humans of being at such low sea levels/high pressure situations. Including HPNS: High Pressure Nervous Syndrome- muscle tremors usually in the hands first, nausea, increased excitability and disorientation. Lt. Hiram Coffey start showing signs of HPNS at the end of this clip.
Ch. 38- After the sub chase, Coffey's sub drops off into 'the Abyss', falling deeper and deeper in the ocean. His sub explodes due to the intesity of the water pressure

Connection of flickclip to the concept: This flickclip would be a way to initiate discussion of water pressure characteristics. By showing both clips you can discuss the water pressure effects on humans as well as material objects such as submarines.

Suggestions to teachers:

1. Have students make predictions of how water pressure depth compares to air pressure at surface.

2. Have them make a list of what they think happens to a person at increased water depths to find out their preconceptions on water pressure

3. After viewing the clipsL discuss their list of brainstormed ideas and correct or add to it what they learned from the flickclip.

4. Discuss the effects of HPNS and how it effects humans.

5. Try an experiment showing how water pressure can affect objects such as a Styrofoam cup at depth using a pressurized chamber.