1. Provide students with a key.
Write the following key on the board for students to refer to as they complete the activity:
crest = top of wave
wave trough = lowest point between each crest
wave height = distance between crest and trough
wavelength = distance from crest to crest or trough to trough
2. Have students experiment with creating waves of different sizes.
Have students use the Wave Simulator interactive to shape waves and see how they affect a boat at rest, in an area with no current. Model for students how to adjust the wave height, wavelength, and wave period and how to recognize how those changes affect the waves and boat. Then have students use the interactive in pairs.
3. Have students reflect on their experience.
First, ask pairs to describe how they used the interactive. Then ask: What did you have to change to make the waves bigger? Smaller? Faster? Slower? What did you have to change to make lots of waves? A few?
Subjects & Disciplines
- Earth Science
- Geography
Learning Objectives
Students will:
- use an interactive tool to create waves
- reflect on their experience
Teaching Approach
- Learning-for-use
Teaching Methods
- Simulations and games
- Visual instruction
Skills Summary
This activity targets the following skills:
-
Critical Thinking Skills
- Applying
- Remembering
- Understanding
Connections to National Standards, Principles, and Practices
National Geography Standards
- Standard 7: The physical processes that shape the patterns of Earth's surface
National Science Education Standards
- (K-4) Standard D-1: Properties of earth materials
What You’ll Need
Required Technology
- Internet Access: Required
- Tech Setup: 1 computer per small group
- Plug-Ins: Flash
Grouping
- Small-group instruction
Background Information
Waves are the movement of water. Watching the movement of waves helps you to understand their patterns.
Prior Knowledge
- None
Recommended Prior Activities
Vocabulary
the top of a wave.
moving swell on the surface of water.
the distance between a wave's trough and crest.
the distance between the crests of two waves.
the lowest part of a wave.
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