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What is a Wave?

Sherry Franklin | Published: June 28th, 2023 by K20 Center

Summary

In this collection of Physics lessons, students will learn what a wave is and how waves behave differently from particles. Lesson 1 focuses on what a wave is and students' prior knowledge about waves. In lesson 2, students will be introduced to the Triangle of Power strategy to calculate velocity. In lesson 3, students will participate in a guided inquiry activity on constructive and destructive interference. In lesson 4, students learn how electromagnetic radiation is related to common items, understand how electromagnetic radiation is a form of energy, and create electromagnetic spectrum charts. In lesson 5, they will observe two demonstrations of waves interacting with different types of matter and form conclusions to understand how light travels through matter.

Resources

Lesson 5E Lesson
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What Is a Wave? Lesson 1

London Bridge Is Falling Down

Grade Level Grade Level

  • 9th - 10th

This is the first lesson in the "What Is a Wave?" unit. Students will begin by recalling information they already know about waves. They will explore movement with springs to learn about and identify types of waves. In groups, students will create anchor charts with key concepts and examples of waves.... Read more »

Created by: Lindsey Link

Date Updated: June 5th, 2023

Lesson 5E Lesson
What Is a Wave? Lesson 1

London Bridge Is Falling Down

Tag Sponsor

  • National Science Foundation (NSF)

Subject Subject

  • Science

Course Course

  • Physical Science, Physics

Grade Level Grade Level

  • 9th - 10th

Copied To Clipboard Standards

  • PH.PS3.3 , PH.PS3.3.DCI.1, PH.PS3.3.DCI.2, PH.PS3.3.DCI.3, PH.PS4.1 , PH.PS4.1.DCI.1
More 3 class periods
Time Frame 130 minutes
Lesson 5E Lesson
Cover Image
What Is a Wave? Lesson 2

Not the Bermuda Triangle

Grade Level Grade Level

  • 9th - 10th

In this second lesson of the What Is a Wave? unit, students will review key concepts from the first lesson using the Strike Out! strategy. Students will connect prior learning to new content by watching videos that demonstrate the speed of sound waves, and then will be introduced to the Triangle of... Read more »

Created by: Laura Halstied

Date Updated: June 1st, 2023

Lesson 5E Lesson
What Is a Wave? Lesson 2

Not the Bermuda Triangle

Subject Subject

  • Science

Course Course

  • Physical Science

Grade Level Grade Level

  • 9th - 10th

Copied To Clipboard Standards

  • PS.PS4.1 , PS.PS4.1.1
More 2 class periods
Time Frame 90 minutes
Lesson 5E Lesson
Cover Image
What Is a Wave? Lesson 3

Galloping Gertie

Grade Level Grade Level

  • 9th - 10th

In this third lesson of the What Is a Wave? unit, students will experiment with long springs and whirly tubes as well as participate in a guided inquiry activity on constructive and destructive interference. Students will be assessed by explaining true or false statements. Read more »

Created by: Laura Halstied

Date Updated: June 1st, 2023

Lesson 5E Lesson
What Is a Wave? Lesson 3

Galloping Gertie

Subject Subject

  • Science

Course Course

  • Physical Science

Grade Level Grade Level

  • 9th - 10th

Copied To Clipboard Standards

  • PS.PS3.3 , PS.PS4.1 , PS.PS4.1.1
More 3 class periods
Time Frame 135 minutes
Lesson 5E Lesson
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What Is a Wave? Lesson 4

Electric Avenue

Grade Level Grade Level

  • 9th Grade

In this fourth lesson of the "What Is a Wave?" unit, students will learn how electromagnetic radiation is related to common items, understand how electromagnetic radiation is a form of energy, and create electromagnetic spectrum charts. Read more »

Created by: Laura Halstied

Date Updated: June 5th, 2023

Lesson 5E Lesson
What Is a Wave? Lesson 4

Electric Avenue

Subject Subject

  • Science

Course Course

  • Physical Science

Grade Level Grade Level

  • 9th Grade

Copied To Clipboard Standards

  • PS.PS4.4 , PS.PS4.4.1, PS.PS4.4.2, PS.PS4.4.3
More 1-2 class period(s)
Time Frame 90 minutes
Lesson 5E Lesson
Cover Image
What Is a Wave? Lesson 5

New Direction

Grade Level Grade Level

  • 9th - 10th

In this fifth and final lesson of the "What Is a Wave?" unit, students will observe two demonstrations of waves interacting with different types of matter and form conclusions to understand how light travels through matter. Students will complete a Concept Card Map activity to demonstrate their understanding... Read more »

Created by: Laura Halstied

Date Updated: June 15th, 2023

Lesson 5E Lesson
What Is a Wave? Lesson 5

New Direction

Subject Subject

  • Social Studies

Course Course

  • Physical Science

Grade Level Grade Level

  • 9th - 10th

Copied To Clipboard Standards

  • PS.PS4.1 , PS.PS4.4 , PS.PS4.4.1, PS.PS4.4.2, PS.PS4.4.3
More 2 class periods
Time Frame 90 minutes

Standards

Oklahoma Academic Standards (Physical Science)
PS.PS3.3 : Design, build, and refine a device that works within given constraints to convert one form of energy into another form of energy.*
PS.PS4.1 : Use mathematical representations to explain both qualitative and quantitative relationships among frequency, wavelength, and speed of waves traveling in various media.
PS.PS4.1.1: The wavelength and frequency of a wave are related to one another by the speed of travel of the wave, which depends on the type of wave and the medium through which it is passing.
PS.PS4.4 : Evaluate the validity and reliability of claims in published materials of the effects that different frequencies of electromagnetic radiation have when absorbed by matter.
PS.PS4.4.1: When light or longer wavelength electromagnetic radiation is absorbed in matter, it is generally converted into thermal energy (heat).
PS.PS4.4.2: Shorter wavelength electromagnetic radiation (ultraviolet, X-rays, gamma rays) can ionize atoms and cause damage to living cells.
PS.PS4.4.3: Photoelectric materials emit electrons when they absorb light of high enough frequency.
Oklahoma Academic Standards (Physics)
PH.PS3.3 : Design, build, and refine a device that works within given constraints to convert one form of energy into another form of energy.*
PH.PS3.3.DCI.1: At the macroscopic scale, energy manifests itself in multiple ways, such as in motion, sound, light, and thermal energy.
PH.PS3.3.DCI.2: Criteria and constraints also include satisfying any requirements set by society, such as taking issues of risk mitigation into account, and they should be quantified to the extent possible and stated in such a way that one can tell if a given design meets them.
PH.PS3.3.DCI.3: Modern civilization depends on major technological systems. Engineers continuously modify these technological systems by applying scientific knowledge and engineering design practices to increase benefits while decreasing costs and risks.
PH.PS4.1 : Use mathematical representations to support a claim regarding relationships among the frequency, wavelength, and speed of waves traveling in various media.
PH.PS4.1.DCI.1: The wavelength and frequency of a wave are related to one another by the speed of travel of the wave, which depends on the type of wave and the medium through which it is passing.

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