Unit 2: Properties of Waves

Performance Expectations:

• 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.

• MS-PS4-2: Develop and use a model to describe that waves are reflected, absorbed, or transmitted through various materials.

• MS-PS4-3: Integrate qualitative scientific and technical information to support the claim that digitized signals are a more reliable way to encode and transmit information analog signals.

• MS-ETS1-1: Define the criteria and constraints of a design problem with sufficient precision to ensure a successful solution, taking into account relevant scientific principles and potential impacts on people and the natural environment that may limit possible solutions.

• MS-ETS1-2: Evaluate competing design solutions using a systematic process to determine how well they meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.

• MS-ETS1-3: Analyze data from tests to determine similarities and differences among several design solutions to identify the best characteristic so each that can be combined into a new solution to better meet the criteria for success.

• MS-ETS1-4: Develop a model to generate data for interactive testing and modification of a proposed object, tool, or process such that an optimal design can be achieved.

Essential Questions:

• What are the properties of waves?

• What happens to waves as they pass through various mediums?

• What are the properties of visible light?

• Why do waves travel at different speeds?

• Why are digital signals more reliable than analog signals?

Disciplinary Core Ideas, Science & Engineering Practices, Crosscutting Concepts, Supporting Standards:

• • MS-PS4-1

  • MS-PS4-2

  • MS-PS4-3

  • MS-ETS1-1

  • MS-ETS1-2

  • MS-ETS1-3

  • MS-ETS1-4

Concepts & Skills:

• The students will be able to...

  • Understand that waves are disturbances which transfer energy.

  • Identify the various parts of a wave (ex. amplitude, wavelength, crest, and trough).

  • Create a model to explain how wave behaviors can change (ex. increasing/decreasing frequency).

  • Observe, describe, and analyze wave behaviors such as amplitude, damping, frequency, and wavelength using a computer simulator.

  • Explain the differences between transverse and longitudinal waves.

  • Understand that the pitch of a sound is related to wave frequency, and the volume of a sound is related to wave amplitude.

  • Investigate and explain how waves (specifically sound and light waves) interact with various media: reflect, absorb, transmit.

  • Design, create, and test a prototype of a sound-proof recording studio.

  • Identify evidence through wave diagrams to support the conclusion that Earth's outer core is liquid.

  • Name the waves of the electromagnetic spectrum.

  • Explain that an object's color is determined by the color of visible light it reflects.

  • Manipulate, observe, and analyze the relationship between light waves and prisms using a computer simulator (refraction).

  • Compare and contrast mechanical and electromagnetic waves.

  • Use data to support the claim that digital signals are more reliable than analog signals to transmit information.