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 3: Types of Waves and How They Behave (MS-PS4-2)
MS-PS4-2. Develop and use a model to describe that waves are reflected, absorbed, or transmitted through various materials. [Clarification Statement: Emphasis is on both light and mechanical waves. Examples of models could include drawings, simulations, and written descriptions.] [Assessment Boundary: Assessment is limited to qualitative applications pertaining to light and mechanical waves.]
Main Learning Goal: Students will learn there are two types of waves, matter and light, and will explore the difference between these. Students will learn that light can be transmitted, absorbed, and reflected. Students will connect this learning to kelp with the idea that kelp uses light waves to do photosynthesis.
Focus questions for the lesson:
What is the difference between matter waves (sound or water) and light waves? How does each type of wave interact with different mediums through reflection, absorption and transmission? Which of the types of waves have a direct impact on the health of the kelp forest? Ideal student response to the focus questions: Matter waves require a medium to travel, while light waves do not require a medium to travel. Light travels in a straight line, but is bent when moving from one material to another. Light does not need matter to travel through (i.e. light travels through space). Sound and water waves can bend and need matter to travel through. Light waves and water waves directly impact the health of kelp forests. |
Science content storyline: Students have learned about the
characteristics and properties of waves. This lesson builds on this understanding to teach students about the various types of waves and how they interact with various materials, all governed by these same characteristics and properties. This will lead into a deeper understanding of how light waves affect seasons and, subsequently, kelp growth. |
Additional Resources:
NASA Space Place- What causes seasons reading explanation
Why we have seasons youtube video from Sci Show
Astronomy journey to the cosmic Frontier- Here is a computer-based activity where students can watch how the sun moves across the sky during different seasons, the change in temperature, Earth’s orbit, and sunlight angles. Just make sure the inclination angle is set to 23 degrees. Set the speed faster or slower and observe.
NASA Space Place- What causes seasons reading explanation
Why we have seasons youtube video from Sci Show
Astronomy journey to the cosmic Frontier- Here is a computer-based activity where students can watch how the sun moves across the sky during different seasons, the change in temperature, Earth’s orbit, and sunlight angles. Just make sure the inclination angle is set to 23 degrees. Set the speed faster or slower and observe.
Linking Question: How does visible light contribute to kelp growth?