Syntus

Sand

Smooth bits of earth

Warmth

Shining in the sunlight

Grains

These lines are an example of a type of writing called a Syntu- a special type of short poem that originated in Japan. Syntus are special because they are written about the earth.

There are certain rules for writing a syntu. Writing such a poem is one way of describing something and telling your feelings about it. Syntus have 5 lines and the following are the rules for writing each line:

• Line 1. One word only- the name of the geological feature you are writing about.
• Line 2. A scientific observation about line 1, using only one of your senses (sight, touch, hearing, taste, smell).
• Line 3. A thought, feeling, or evaluation about line 1.
• Line 4. Another observation about line 1, using a different sense from the one you used in line 2.
• Line 5. A one-word meaning for line 1.

Volcano

High white peaks

Strength and power

Quiet and asleep

Mountain

Write 2 syntus on two different plate tectonic features that interest you or you find really striking from viewing the map.