Making Waves

Young scientists use Slinkys to better understand waves. After creating and measuring many aspects of waves, they complete a handout and homework questions. The resource also introduces the final project for the chapter, though it does...

Wave goodbye to the same old demonstrations for alternative energy sources, and wave hello to this one investigating ocean waves! Using a water bottle to create an oscillating water column, learners see and possibly hear how the...

Physics masters figure out the wavelength of different waves. Looking at a wave graph, they identify different characteristics. Many more problems get them working with both electromagnetic and sound waves. There are a total of 17...

Learning about waves can have its ups and downs, but a demo-packed tool kit has the class "standing" for more! Learners gain experience with several different wave types, organizing observations and data, and wave terminology. The...

Here's a short video that hits all the high notes! Young scientists observe as amazing patterns appear in sand during a short demonstration. In addition to art and music, the resource explains standing waves, nodes, and how a 3-D model...

Your high schoolers examine various types of electromagnetic waves and create a chart of the spectrum. They watch a video segment and use an interactive activity that explains the range of the spectrum and common sources of...

The sound waves of thunder are made when lightning very quickly heats the air surrounding it, expanding faster than the speed of sound. Learners explore waves through their own movement of string or set waves to constantly oscillate....

Students discover a new radar chip by reading and discussing the article "Piercing the Fog With a Tiny Chip." In groups, they create a science fair exhibit describing a technology that harnesses wave energy.

It is not a unique or exciting lesson, but rather the typical demonstrations of transverse and longitudinal waves. Use a rope for modeling transverse waves, and a plastic coil or spring toy for longitudinal waves. 

Students are introduced to the forces that are responsible for generating waves in the ocean and how these forcesf differ from those that cause currents. They are able to explain how water molecules in a wave do not move in the direction...