Light can be described in terms of waves and wavelengths
Discuss: Where have students encountered waves? Ask students to describe a wave and give an example. At the Science Museum, students will measure water waves. The terms used to describe water waves can also be used to talk about light waves, even though light can also be described in other ways as well.
Make some waves!
Materials:
- Slinky
- Rope
- Plastic box or bin filled with water
Demonstrate with student helpers how to make a wave with one of the above items. Hold each end and move up and down, back and forth or sideways.
Provide items to small groups of four students and ask them to produce a wave.
Ask students to observe carefully and describe the motion they see. Ask students to draw and label the parts of the wave. Post the drawings and discuss the descriptions of the parts as a class.
Scientists use more precise terms to describe waves. Ask students to research wave terms.
Or use this image to discuss the terms. How did the student labels compare?
Students will continue to explore the topics of waves by measuring a water wave's wavelength, frequency, and speed at the museum.
At the Museum Activity 1 - Measuring a Wave PDF
Teacher information
MathPacks will not go into the topic of waves in depth, but students will have the opportunity to experience how light wavelength describes the type of light energy that can heat objects (infrared), cause sunburn and fade things(ultraviolet), and be visible to our eyes (visible light, the spectrum ROYGBIV). The amount of energy is related to its wavelength.
To do some research or review on terms to describe waves, try:
Introduction to Waves
What other kinds of "light" are there?
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