Properties and Behaviors of Waves
Purpose: The purpose of this activity is to learn about the properties and behaviors of waves and then apply this knowledge to different activities to identify the kinds of waves and their behavior.
Activities: You will visit 8 stations in the back of the room and complete some activities that explore the different kinds of waves and the different behaviors. At each station, READ THE METHODS SHEET FIRST, then complete the activity and write down your observations. Try to identify the wave that you saw.
Station 1
Observations:
The wave I saw was:
Station 2
Observations:
The wave I saw was:
Station 3
Observations:
The wave I saw was:
Station 4
Observations:
The wave I was was:
Station 5
Observations:
The wave I saw was:
Station 6
Observations:
The wave I saw was:
Station 7
Observations:
The wave I saw was:
Station 8
Observations:
The wave I saw was:
Research: After you have finished each station, you will do a little research to further explore the types and behaviors of waves. Below you will find some words to define and some statements to complete. Work in groups using your book to find the definitions and complete the statements.
Wave-
Waves are created by:
Waves carry:
Vibration-
Medium-
Types of waves:
Mechanical waves-
Examples of mechanical waves:
Electromagnetic waves-
Examples of electromagnetic waves:
Behaviors of waves:
Refraction-
Reflection-
Transmission-
Absorption-
Now that you know all about the different types of waves and their behaviors, look back at what you wrote for your observations and see if you can identify the type of wave and the wave’s behavior for each station.
Remember the types of waves are:
Mechanical
Electromagnetic
Remember the behaviors of waves are:
Reflection
Refraction
Transmission
Absorption
Station 1
Type:
Behavior:
Station 2
Type:
Behavior:
Station 3
Type:
Behavior:
Station 4
Type:
Behavior:
Station 5
Type:
Behavior:
Station 6
Type:
Behavior:
Station 7
Type:
Behavior:
Station 8
Type:
Behavior
Name:
Challenge Questions
1. When someone knocks on the wall outside of the classroom, what behavior of waves explains why you can hear the knock inside the room?
a. Refraction
b. Transmission
c. Reflection
d. Absorption
2. Which behavior of waves explains why you can see yourself in the mirror?
a. Refraction
b. Transmission
c. Reflection
d. Absorption
3. Which behavior of waves explains why my voice sounds quieter and harder to understand when I hold my hands over my mouth?
a. Refraction
b. Transmission
c. Reflection
d. Absorption
4. Which behavior of waves explains why objects look larger when viewed through a magnifying glass?
a. Refraction
b. Transmission
c. Reflection
d. Absorption
5. A is a repeating disturbance or vibration that transfers or moves energy from place to place.
a. Force
b. Mass
c. Wave
d. String
6. Mechanical waves can NOT travel through
a. Water
b. Air
c. Rock
d. Outer space