• 6-8: 4F/M2. Something can be "seen" when light waves emitted or reflected by it enter the eye—just as something can be "heard" when sound waves from it enter the ear.
• 6-8: 4F/M4. Vibrations in materials set up wavelike disturbances that spread away from the source. Sound and earthquake waves are examples. These and other waves move at different speeds in different materials.
• 6-8: 4F/M5. Human eyes respond to only a narrow range of wavelengths of electromagnetic waves-visible light. Differences of wavelength within that range are perceived as differences of color.
• 6-8: 4F/M6. Light acts like a wave in many ways. And waves can explain how light behaves.
• 6-8: 4F/M7. Wave behavior can be described in terms of how fast the disturbance spreads, and in terms of the distance between successive peaks of the disturbance (the wavelength).
• 9-12: 4F/H5ab. The observed wavelength of a wave depends upon the relative motion of the source and the observer. If either is moving toward the other, the observed wavelength is shorter; if either is moving away, the wavelength is longer.
• 9-12: 4F/H6ab. Waves can superpose on one another, bend around corners, reflect off surfaces, be absorbed by materials they enter, and change direction when entering a new material. All these effects vary with wavelength.
• 9-12: 4F/H6c. The energy of waves (like any form of energy) can be changed into other forms of energy.

• 6-8: 11B/M4. Simulations are often useful in modeling events and processes.
• 9-12: 11B/H3. The usefulness of a model can be tested by comparing its predictions to actual observations in the real world. But a close match does not necessarily mean that other models would not work equally well or better.

• 6-8: 11D/M3. Natural phenomena often involve sizes, durations, and speeds that are extremely small or extremely large. These phenomena may be difficult to appreciate because they involve magnitudes far outside human experience.

• F-IF.4 For a function that models a relationship between two quantities, interpret key features of graphs and tables in terms of the quantities, and sketch graphs showing key features given a verbal description of the relationship.^?
• F-IF.5 Relate the domain of a function to its graph and, where applicable, to the quantitative relationship it describes.^?
• F-IF.6 Calculate and interpret the average rate of change of a function (presented symbolically or as a table) over a specified interval. Estimate the rate of change from a graph.
• F-IF.7.a Graph linear and quadratic functions and show intercepts, maxima, and minima.

• F-BF.3 Identify the effect on the graph of replacing f(x) by f(x) + k, k f(x), f(kx), and f(x + k) for specific values of k (both positive and negative); find the value of k given the graphs. Experiment with cases and illustrate an explanation of the effects on the graph using technology. Include recognizing even and odd functions from their graphs and algebraic expressions for them.

• F-TF.5 Choose trigonometric functions to model periodic phenomena with specified amplitude, frequency, and midline.^?

This is a unique, standards-based unit of instruction on Waves created by a high school teacher to be used with PhET interactive simulations on wave motion.  It includes comprehensive lesson plans, lecture presentations, and assessments with answer keys.  Be sure not to miss the "Clicker Questions" -- great introductory material. NOTE: Only registered PhET users can access teacher-contributed materials, but registration is free and easy.

• Physics First Teaching About Waves and Wave Energy Unit
• Conceptual Physics Teaching About Waves and Wave Energy Unit
• Algebra-Based Physics Teaching About Waves and Wave Energy Unit
• AP/Calculus-Based Physics Teaching About Waves and Wave Energy Unit

This exemplary unit of instruction was developed by a high school physics teacher to be used with PhET simulations.  It includes six complete lesson plans that explore wave properties, the physics of sound, Fourier analysis, and wave phenomena such as reflection and superposition.  Most of the lessons require that the simulation be open on a browser while students work. Don't miss the Clicker Questions, which can be readily downloaded for classroom use.  Entire unit will take 2-3 weeks, but components may be pulled out separately. NOTE: This resource is available only to PhET registered users, but registration is free and easy.

• Physics First Wave Properties: Frequency, Amplitude, Period, Phase Unit
• Conceptual Physics Wave Properties: Frequency, Amplitude, Period, Phase Unit
• Algebra-Based Physics Wave Properties: Frequency, Amplitude, Period, Phase Unit
• AP/Calculus-Based Physics Wave Properties: Frequency, Amplitude, Period, Phase Unit