Activity
Exploratorium

Resonant Rings

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Physical or earth scientists construct this clever contraption to demonstrate how size effects frequency. Several paper rings of various sizes are taped onto a board and shaken to create vibrations. The resonant frequencies are easily...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Physical Setting: Physics Exam 2004

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Twelve pages of mostly multiple-choice questions comprise this comprehensive New York Regents physics exam. It covers an entire year's worth of physics curriculum and requires about three hours for completion. Review the questions to...
Worksheet
Curated OER

Properties of Light

For Students 7th - 12th
In this light waves worksheet, students will measure the wavelength of different light waves and then calculate its frequency. This worksheet has 9 short answer questions and 10 fill in the blank questions.
Unit Plan
Physics Classroom

The Physics Classroom: Formation of Standing Waves

For Students 9th - 10th
How are standing wave formations formed? Why are they only formed when the medium is vibrated at specific frequencies? What makes these so-called frequencies so special and magical? These questions are answered in this exploration of...
Unit Plan
Physics Classroom

The Physics Classroom: Nodes and Antinodes

For Students 9th - 10th
In this thorough lesson, nodes and antinodes are explained and compared to crests and troughs. A "Check Your Understanding," set of questions is included at the end of the lesson with answers.
Unit Plan
Physics Classroom

The Physics Classroom: The Nature of a Wave

For Students 9th - 10th
A very good introduction to the world of waves. Waves and wavelike motion, what is a wave, and categories of waves are the topics examined in this site. Many links to other wave sites.
Unit Plan
Physics Classroom

The Physics Classroom: Behavior of Waves

For Students 9th - 10th
Boundary behavior, incident pulse, reflected pulse,and transmitted pulse are explained in this thorough tutorial. Animation and drawings are used to clarify the concepts.
Lesson Plan
Better Lesson

Better Lesson: Properties of Waves

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
In this direct instruction lesson plan, students draw sketches in their science notebooks in order to make sense of wave properties. Resources include a slideshow presentation on the properties of waves and multiple examples of student...
Interactive
University of Colorado

University of Colorado: Ph Et Interactive Simulations: Wave Interference

For Students 9th - 10th
Conduct virtual experiments with water, sound, and light waves to determine the sine wave and patterns created in each.
Lesson Plan
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College

Serc: Understanding the Motion of a Harmonic Oscillator

For Teachers 9th - 10th
An interactive lecture demonstration where students are guided to a full conceptual understanding of harmonic motion. This lecture and collection of demonstrations and simulations are intended for introducing the concepts of wave...
Interactive
PBS

Pbs Learning Media: Frequency

For Students 9th - 10th
Frequency is how often something occurs. This interactive resource details the definition of frequency, offers demonstrations, and features examples.
Interactive
American Association of Physics Teachers

Com Padre Digital Library: Open Source Physics: Doppler Effect Model

For Students 9th - 10th
A simulation of the Doppler Effect, where a change in wave frequency can be observed from the reference frame of the wave source, an observer, or the medium.
Unit Plan
Physics Classroom

The Physics Classroom: The Wave Equation

For Students 9th - 10th
A thorough explanation of the wave equation (Speed = Wavelength * Frequency). A data table and questions to check one's understanding are also part of this lesson.
Handout
Physics Classroom

The Physics Classroom: The Doppler Effect

For Students 9th - 10th
At this tutorial, a happy bug in the center of a circular water puddle is used to describe the Doppler effect.
Unit Plan
CK-12 Foundation

Ck 12: Physical Science: Frequency and Pitch of Sound

For Students 9th - 10th
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] Explores the pitch of sound, how it relates to the frequency of sound waves, and what infrasound and ultrasound are.
Unit Plan
CK-12 Foundation

Ck 12: Physical Science: Wave Frequency

For Students 7th - 9th
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] Definition of wave frequency and how it is related to the energy of a wave.
Lesson Plan
PBS

Pbs Teachers: Science of Tsunamis: Seeking Understanding in the Wake of Tragedy

For Teachers 9th - 10th
Conduct a demonstration to learn about how waves function in water. Create a poster that shows the physics of waves, how tsunamis work, the devastation caused by the 2004 tsunami or information about relief efforts for the 2004 tsunami.