Human Activities Help Sustain Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services in a Changing World
developed by:
Julie Allender (OMSD), Colleen Duncan (Redlands USD), Dr. Vickie Harri (OMSD), Sara Yeh (OMSD)
Lesson 2: What are waves? (MS-PS4-1)
MS-PS4-1: Use mathematical representations to describe a simple model for waves that includes how the amplitude of a wave is related to the energy in a wave. [Clarification Statement: Emphasis is on describing waves with both qualitative and quantitative thinking.] [Assessment Boundary: Assessment does not include electromagnetic waves and is limited to standard repeating waves.]
Main Learning Goal: Students will learn that a wave is defined with its amplitude and wavelength, which leads to the frequency and type of wave. An ocean wave should be used to dissect the parts of a wave.
Focus question: What are waves and their properties?
Ideal student response to the focus question: Waves are composed of three parts. The first part is the wavelength (𝛌), which is the distance between two crests or two troughs. The wavelength can be changed by changing the frequency. The second part is the amplitude. The amplitude is the height of a wave as measured from the bottom of a trough to the top of a crest. The amplitude is related to the energy of the wave. These have relationships that can be explained mathematically. One unit of energy ≈ (one unit of the amplitude) 2 or E≈A2. The frequency (Hz), is how many waves occur in a time period. The frequency will change if the wavelength changes. |
Science content storyline: Students will have learned that tides are caused from the moon, Sun, and Earth’s gravitational pull. In this lesson students will understand what a wave is composed of and if one component is changed, the other parts of a wave are also changed. In future lessons, students will learn about mechanical and electromagnetic wave types affecting the marine ecosystem.
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Linking Question: How do low tides and high affect the kelp forest ecosystem?
Additional Resources:
Youtube video "Waves" that explains what a wave is.
Teacher Background information:
Youtube video "Waves" that explains what a wave is.
Teacher Background information:
- Tides and water levels from NOAA