Anatomy of the Wave

Learning Resource Type

Learning Activity

Subject Area

Arts Education

Science

Grade(s)

4

Overview

In this activity, the students will use the “Anatomy of the Wave” video to learn and answer questions about waves. In the video, students will look at the anatomy of waves and learn vocabulary words such as crests, troughs, wavelength, amplitude, frequency, period, and velocity. Finally, students will develop a model of waves through abstract visual art to describe patterns in terms of amplitude and wavelength.

This resource was created as a part of the ALEX Resource Development Summit.

Phase

During/Explore/Explain

Science (2015) Grade(s): 4

SC15.4.6
Develop a model of waves to describe patterns in terms of amplitude and wavelength, and including that waves can cause objects to move.

Vocabulary

Patterns
Propagated
Waves
Wave amplitude
Wavelength
Net motion
Model
Relevant components
Peaks

Knowledge

Students know:

Waves can be described in terms of patterns of repeating amplitude and wavelength (e.g., in a water wave there is a repeating pattern of water being higher and then lower than the baseline level of the water).
Waves can cause an object to move.
The motion of objects varies with the amplitude and wavelength of the wave carrying it.
The patterns in the relationships between a wave passing, the net motion of the wave, and the motion of an object caused by the wave as it passes.
How waves may be initiated (e.g., by disturbing surface water or shaking a rope or spring).
The repeating pattern produced as a wave is propagated.
Waves, which are the regular patterns of motion, can be made in water by disturbing the surface. When waves move across the surface of deep water, the water goes up and down in place; there is no net motion in the direction of the wave except when the water meets a beach.
Waves of the same type can differ in amplitude (height of the wave) and wavelength (spacing between wave peaks).

Skills

Students are able to:

Develop a model to make sense of wave patterns that includes relevant components (i.e., waves, wave amplitude, wavelength, and motion of objects).
Describe patterns of wavelengths and amplitudes.
Describe how waves can cause objects to move.

Understanding

Students understand that:

There are similarities and differences in patterns underlying waves and use these patterns to describe simple relationships involving wave amplitude, wavelength, and the motion of an object.

Scientific and Engineering Practices

Developing and Using Models

Crosscutting Concepts

Patterns

AE17.VA.4.2

Learning Objectives

Students will develop a model of waves through abstract visual art to describe patterns in terms of amplitude and wavelength.

Students will design scientific artwork that has meaning.

Activity Details

The teacher will have the students to watch video on the "Anatomy of the Wave".
After the video, The teacher will ask students “Anatomy of the Wave” guided questions.
The students will answer the “Anatomy of the Wave” guided questions.
The teacher will have the students use graph paper to draw five different waves with different measurements and answer the extension question.
Next, the students will demonstrate their understanding of the Anatomy of the Wave by creating Wave Abstract Art.
On the artwork, have the students develop a model of waves through abstract visual art to describe patterns in terms of one crest, one trough, one wavelength, and one amplitude.
Finally, the teacher will lead a class discussion describing patterns of a wave in the terms amplitude and wavelength and how waves cause objects to move.

Assessment Strategies

The teacher will use the Anatomy of Wave Guided questions and the Wave Abstract Art rubric to assess student learning.

An answer key is provided for the guided questions.

Variation Tips

As an extension, the teacher could have students identify the wave behavior in the original artwork.

Background / Preparation

Supply Anatomy of the Wave guided questions prior to students watching the video.
Students will need graph paper and art supplies.
Supply students with Wave Abstract Art Guide
Supply each student with Wave Abstract Art Rubrics

YouTube Video: Anatomy of Waves

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X0_SJUU0yUE

Approved Date

2019-06-28

Owner (Author)

kpayton

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