Middle School
Waves and Light
Wave properties, sound and light interactions, electromagnetic radiation, and information technologies.
MS-PS4-1, MS-PS4-2, MS-PS4-3
2 lessons
4 quiz questions
Lesson 1: Wave Properties
Describe waves using amplitude, wavelength, frequency, and energy.
Learning goals
- Identify wave properties.
- Compare mechanical and electromagnetic waves.
- Explain how waves transfer energy.
Describing waves
Waves can be described by amplitude, wavelength, frequency, and speed. Larger amplitude often means more energy.
Mechanical and electromagnetic
Sound waves need matter to travel. Electromagnetic waves, including light, can travel through empty space.
Lesson 2: Light and Information
Explain reflection, absorption, transmission, and digital signals.
Learning goals
- Describe light interactions with materials.
- Explain how digitized signals encode information.
- Connect waves to communication technologies.
Light interactions
When light hits matter, it can be reflected, absorbed, transmitted, or refracted. These interactions help explain color, mirrors, lenses, and shadows.
Information transfer
Digital signals encode information as patterns. Technologies use waves to send sound, images, and data over long distances.