Students will be able to construct explanations of the relationship between matter and energy based on the characteristics of mechanical and light waves. 8.P.3A.1
Students will be able to develop and use models to exemplify the basic properties of waves (including frequency, amplitude, wavelength, and speed). 8.P.3A.2
Content Knowledge Support
- Read and compete interactive science workbook pages 50-63.
Discussion Topics
- What would your life be like without electromagnetic and mechanical waves?
- Which waves could you not live without mechanical waves or electromagnetic waves?
- Demonstrate and explain the wavelength, frequency, and amplitude of a transverse wave using Flipgrid.
Recommended Exercises
Additional Exercises & Extensions
(Level 2) Application
(Level 3) Analysis
- Complete It's a Noisy World SEPUP investigation and analysis using this lab TEMPLATE.
- Complete The Frequency of Sound SEPUP laboratory and analysis using this lab TEMPLATE.
- Complete Longitudinal and Transverse Waves SEPUP laboratory and analysis using this lab TEMPLATE.
- Complete The Electromagnetic Spectrum SEPUP reading and analysis using this lab TEMPLATE.
- Waves on a string Phet simulation and student activity TEMPLATE.
(Level 4) Evaluation
- What would the Universe be like if waves transmitted both matter AND energy? Give at least 3 specific examples and explain how this would impact your life using 75 words or more.
- What is the most important property of a wave wavelength, frequency, or amplitude? Explain why using a drawing or diagram and explain why each of the other properties are less important using a total of 75 words or more.
(Level 5) Creation
- Create a model of a transverse and a longitudinal wave that both have the same amplitude, frequency and wavelength using this assignment TEMPLATE.
- Create a short video that demonstrates either a transverse or longitudinal wave (you may use digital models, drawings, or physical objects). During your video accurately explain which wave type your chose and include the 3 basic properties of your wave including wavelength, frequency, and amplitude in your video.
Lab Exploration
Additional Explorations
- Explore the mechanisms (the oscillations of the fields) by which energy is transferred through empty space.
- Investigate how to calculate the speed of a wave or how to diagram these properties on a longitudinal wave.
Future Learning Connections (9-12)
- Develop and use models (such as drawings) to exemplify the interaction of mechanical waves with different boundaries (sound wave interference) including the formation of standing waves and two-source interference patterns.
- Use the principle of superposition to explain everyday examples of resonance (including musical instruments and the human voice).
- Develop and use models to explain what happens to the observed frequency of a sound wave when the relative positions of an observer and wave source changes (Doppler Effect).
- Construct scientific arguments that support the wave model of light and and the particle model on light.
- Plan and conduct controlled scientific investigations to determine the interaction between the visible light portion of the electromagnetic spectrum and various objects (including mirrors, lenses, barriers with two slits, and diffraction gratings) and to construct explanations of the behavior of light (reflection, refraction, transmission, interference) in these instances using models (including ray diagrams).
English Language Learners
Module Review Resources
Vocabulary Practice
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