Understanding Waves

Introduction

This WebQuest will help you to explore the characteristics of waves, define the parts of a wave, and identify factors that impact a wave's characteristics. You will be required to conduct research about waves from a variety of sources and answer questions related to each research source.

 

You will need:

- your science notebook

- internet access

- your own copy of the question/answer template: https://docs.google.com/document/d/16SI2X_H3XZsprtSrXK4mUiAcXZ-KBoK1f0lcQeozCe0/edit

Task

Your WebQuest has four distinct parts. For each part, you must:

1. Engage with each resource provided, and follow directions for interacting with each resource.

2. Add notes for specific vocabulary, key concepts, and critical questions to your science notebook.

3. Answer each question in the question/answer template in full and complete sentences (or diagrams as applicable).

Process

Part 1: What is a Wave?

1. Explore the following resource: 

http://gpb.pbslearningmedia.org/asset/lsps07_int_waves/?utm_source=teachersdomain_redirect/asset/lsps07_int_waves/utm_medium=teachersdomain/asset/lsps07_int_waves/utm_campaign=td_redirects

2. Capture critical notes in your science notebook.

3. Answer Questions #1-3 in your question/answer template.

 

Part 2: Longitudinal and Transverse Wave Motion

1. Explore the following resource: 

https://www.acs.psu.edu/drussell/Demos/waves/wavemotion.html

2. Capture definitions for mechanical waves, longitudinal waves, and transverse waves in your science notebook.

3. Answer Questions #4-6 in your question/answer template.

 

Part 3: Parts of a Wave

1. Explore the following resource: 

http://zonalandeducation.com/mstm/physics/waves/partsOfAWave/waveParts.htm

2. Sketch a diagram of a transverse wave in your science notebook. Label the crest, trough, positive amplitude, negative amplitude, and wavelength (upload a picture of this diagram as your answer to Question #7).

3. Answer Questions #7-10 in your question/answer template.

 

Part 4: Graphing Waves

1. Explore the following resource: 

https://ca.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/buac20-68-sci-ps-wavesampfreq/waves-amplitude-frequency-and-wavelength/

2. Add any observations to your science notebook.

3. Answer Question #11 in your question/answer template.

Evaluation

You will receive a classwork grade of 100 points for your completed question/answer document. I will be grading your document for accuracy and detail. Please refer to the standard classwork rubric for details regarding the level of detail expected in your responses.

Conclusion

By completing this activity, you will gain an understanding regarding what waves are, the parts of a wave, characteristics of waves, and variables which can change those characteristics.

I look forward to reading everyone's responses!