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Physical Sciences K-8: Wave Energy Units

Examples of all types of waves are found in nature. Our understanding of the physical world is not complete until we understand the properties and behaviors of waves. Mechanical waves require a material "medium" through which to travel, electromagnetic waves do not.

  Teaching About Waves and Wave Energy (6)

  Types of Mechanical Waves (11)

  Wave Properties: Frequency, Amplitude, Period, Phase (6)

  How Waves Move and Interact: Reflection, Refraction, Interference (5)

  Standing Waves and Resonance (1)

  The Physics of Sound (2)

Lesson Plans:

A set of exemplary modules related to sound and music, developed for use in middle school and high school.  It's broken into well-organized short components for teachers who may wish to teach only one element of this subject matter.  Included are lessons and activities on frequency, wavelength, amplitude, pitch, the physics of sound, rhythms and beats, standing waves, harmonic series, and tuning systems. Worksheets include answer keys.

Item Type: Instructional Unit
Level: Grades 6-12

References and Collections:

Don't be scared off by the title of this item.  It is a fascinating resource that features a "thematic search engine" for locating information and examples of sound, sound waves, acoustics, hearing, and other related topics.  Each topic is accompanied by audio clips from the library of the World Soundscape Project.  For example, the topic "Hearing Loss" contains an audio simulation of normal and impaired hearing as a result of noise exposure.  Students will enjoy playing around with this one.

Item Type: Reference Material
Level: Grades 6-12