Does the depth of a pond matter to the waves created when rain is falling? Many people assume the answer is no, but interestingly, it does matter. Pupils explore this concept and other variables related to wave behavior through a simulation. By controlling two variables and observing the related wave graph, scholars draw conclusions about wave interferance patterns.

Concepts

waves, wave motion, wave energy, properties of waves, wavelength, frequency

Show More Show Less

Additional Tags

science

Show More Show Less

Instructional Ideas

• Use a still bucket or pan of water and drop in pebbles to observe the amplitude and wave interference patterns

Classroom Considerations

• Users must have a free CK-12 account to access the interactive
• Assumes prior knowledge of amplitude, position, and wave behavior

Pros

• Includes a video walk-through of how to use the simulator as it is not completely intuitive
• Provides answers to some of the worksheet questions

Cons

• None

Common Core

RST.9-10.4 RST.11-12.4