Science·Waves, Light & Sound·conceptual
Waves & Different Materials
Explain how waves can be absorbed, transmitted, or reflected by different materials, and apply these interactions to explain colour perception, sight, communication technologies, and the effects of different surfaces on wave behaviour
Suggested ages 12–13
Evidence of understanding
- Explains the difference between absorption, transmission, and reflection of waves
- Uses the three interactions to explain how we see coloured objects
- Explains how radio waves, visible light, and infrared are used in different communication technologies
- Describes how the properties of a surface (colour, texture, material) determine how it interacts with radiation
Assessment prompt
If Waves & Different Materials was wearing a black t-shirt on a sunny day and a friend was wearing white, could they explain using wave interactions why the black shirt gets hotter — and which properties of materials determine how they absorb or reflect radiation?
Standards alignment
MS-PS4-2US · ngss-ms
MS-PS4-2
Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) Middle School
KS3.Sci.Phys.Waves.4GB · uk-nc-2013
Wave Interactions and Sight
The national curriculum in England: Key stages 1 and 2 framework document · KS3