4 - PS4.A (A) - Wave Properties - FINAL (WND 1/16/14)

Module: Motion of Waves

DCI: PS4.A (A) Wave Properties – Waves, which are regular patterns of motion, can be made in water by disturbing the surface. When waves move across the surface of deep water, the water goes up and down in place; it does not move in the direction of the wave except when the water meets the beach.

PE: 4-PS4-1 Develop a model of waves to describe patterns in terms of amplitude and wavelength and that waves can cause objects to move.

Clarification Statement: Examples of models could include diagrams, analogies, and physical models using wire to illustrate wavelength and amplitude of waves.] [Assessment Boundary: Assessment does not include interference effects, electromagnetic waves, non-periodic waves, or quantitative models of amplitude and wavelength.]

The ideas we see in this standard are: 

- Waves are regular patterns of motion

- Waves can be made by disturbing the surface of water

- When waves move across the surface of deep water, the water goes up and down in place, it does not move in the direction of the wave except for near the beach

This module does not include the ideas of amplitude and wavelength, so we can not address that in our questions.  That will come in a separate module.  We can stick to the fact that waves can cause objects to move, but only near the surface of a beach.  Out in deeper water, the objects will just move up and down. This is a common misconception, something we will want to address. 

Possible Question Starters: 

"A fishing boat moves up and down while it is out in the ocean.  Which of the following is responsible for this movement?"

correct answer - waves

incorrect answer - wind

"Students are using a pan filled with water to investigate waves.  Which of the following should the students do to cause waves to move around in their pan?"

correct answer - disturb the surface of the water

incorrect answer - heat the pan of water in the oven