Science·Waves, Light & Sound·conceptual
Waves & How They Move
Develop a model of waves to describe patterns in terms of amplitude and wavelength, and understand that waves can cause objects to move
Suggested ages 9–10
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
- Describe a wave using the terms amplitude (height) and wavelength (distance between peaks)
- Demonstrate that larger amplitude means more energy (bigger waves move objects more)
- Model wave patterns using a slinky, rope, or water and describe what they observe
Assessment prompt
Can Waves & How They Move use a slinky or rope to show how waves work, and explain that bigger waves have more energy and can move things more?
Standards alignment
4-PS4-1US · ngss-k5
4-PS4-1
Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) K-5