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published by
the WGBH Educational Foundation
written by Pierre Sokolsky
This interactive activity features animations of wave motion and one simulation that allows students to explore how a wave moves through different mediums. Users can adjust the density of the material and manipulate the direction of a wave disturbance. The water waves animation clearly depicts the movement of periodic waves, which can be difficult to learners to visualize. This resource also includes background information, discussion questions, and links to related PBS Learning Media resources on waves.
PBS Learning media is a growing collection of more than 10,000 free educational resources compiled by researchers and experienced teachers to promote the use of digital resources in the classroom. Please note that this resource requires Flash. Editor's Note: Appropriate for Grades 6-12.
Next Generation Science StandardsDisciplinary Core Ideas (K-12)
Wave Properties (PS4.A)
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices (K-12)
Developing and Using Models (K-12)
AAAS Benchmark Alignments (2008 Version)4. The Physical Setting
4F. Motion
11. Common Themes
11B. Models
NSES Content Standards
Con.B: Physical Science
This resource is part of a Physics Front Topical Unit.
Topic: Wave Energy
Unit Title: Types of Mechanical Waves Mechanical waves can be modeled well through computer simulations that depict the motion of particles as the wave disturbance travels through a medium. This web-based tutorial for grades 6-12, developed by the University of Utah's ASPIRE Lab, is an excellent visualization tool for students. Don't miss the water wave simulation. It clearly shows the repeating pattern of a periodic wave, helping students understand that the particles oscillate but are not propelled forward by the wave. Link to Unit:
ComPADRE is beta testing Citation Styles!
![]() <a href="https://www.compadre.org/precollege/items/detail.cfm?ID=8660">Sokolsky, Pierre. PBS Learning Media: What Is a Wave?. Boston: WGBH Educational Foundation, March 17, 2008.</a>
![]() P. Sokolsky, (WGBH Educational Foundation, Boston, 2003), WWW Document, (https://oeta.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/lsps07.sci.phys.energy.waves/what-is-a-wave/).
![]() P. Sokolsky, PBS Learning Media: What Is a Wave? (WGBH Educational Foundation, Boston, 2003), <https://oeta.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/lsps07.sci.phys.energy.waves/what-is-a-wave/>.
![]() Sokolsky, P. (2008, March 17). PBS Learning Media: What Is a Wave?. Retrieved February 11, 2025, from WGBH Educational Foundation: https://oeta.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/lsps07.sci.phys.energy.waves/what-is-a-wave/
![]() Sokolsky, Pierre. PBS Learning Media: What Is a Wave?. Boston: WGBH Educational Foundation, March 17, 2008. https://oeta.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/lsps07.sci.phys.energy.waves/what-is-a-wave/ (accessed 11 February 2025).
![]() Sokolsky, Pierre. PBS Learning Media: What Is a Wave?. Boston: WGBH Educational Foundation, 2003. 17 Mar. 2008. 11 Feb. 2025 <https://oeta.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/lsps07.sci.phys.energy.waves/what-is-a-wave/>.
![]() @misc{
Author = "Pierre Sokolsky",
Title = {PBS Learning Media: What Is a Wave?},
Publisher = {WGBH Educational Foundation},
Volume = {2025},
Number = {11 February 2025},
Month = {March 17, 2008},
Year = {2003}
}
![]() %A Pierre Sokolsky %T PBS Learning Media: What Is a Wave? %D March 17, 2008 %I WGBH Educational Foundation %C Boston %U https://oeta.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/lsps07.sci.phys.energy.waves/what-is-a-wave/ %O application/flash ![]() %0 Electronic Source %A Sokolsky, Pierre %D March 17, 2008 %T PBS Learning Media: What Is a Wave? %I WGBH Educational Foundation %V 2025 %N 11 February 2025 %8 March 17, 2008 %9 application/flash %U https://oeta.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/lsps07.sci.phys.energy.waves/what-is-a-wave/ Disclaimer: ComPADRE offers citation styles as a guide only. We cannot offer interpretations about citations as this is an automated procedure. Please refer to the style manuals in the Citation Source Information area for clarifications.
Citation Source Information
The AIP Style presented is based on information from the AIP Style Manual. The APA Style presented is based on information from APA Style.org: Electronic References. The Chicago Style presented is based on information from Examples of Chicago-Style Documentation. The MLA Style presented is based on information from the MLA FAQ. This resource is stored in 7 shared folders. You must login to access shared folders. PBS Learning Media: What Is a Wave?:
Is Part Of
http://aspire.cosmic-ray.org/
This is a link to the full collection of interactive materials developed by the authors of ASPIRE, (Astrophysics Science Project Integrating Research and Education). relation by Caroline HallKnow of another related resource? Login to relate this resource to it. |
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