Science·Waves, Light & Sound·language
Wave Behaviour Vocabulary
Use technical vocabulary for wave behaviour — refraction, absorption, reflection, scattering, amplitude, frequency, wavelength, echo, spectrum, angle of incidence, angle of reflection — and apply these when explaining how light and sound travel and interact with different materials
Suggested ages 9–11
Learning journey
Your child is learning how light allows us to see objects and how waves work, including exploring different ways to send information using patterns and codes.
Evidence of understanding
- Use 'refraction' correctly to explain why a straw appears bent in a glass of water
- Distinguish 'reflection' from 'refraction' using the correct definitions
- Explain what an echo is using the vocabulary of sound reflection correctly
Assessment prompt
Can Wave Behaviour Vocabulary explain why a straw looks bent in a glass of water using a proper science word — or tell you what's actually happening when you hear an echo?
Standards alignment
No external standards are linked to this topic.