Level 4 · Science S4.10

Waves

Waves carry energy from place to place, and light, sound and radio are all waves.

Planned. This book is not written yet. Below is its plan, which a teacher can already use.

You are ready for this book if

You can explain why a stick looks bent in water.

The plan

  1. S4.10.1 Kinds of waves
    • Compare transverse and longitudinal waves with a rope and a spring
    • Explain that waves carry energy, not matter
  2. S4.10.2 Measuring waves
    • Label amplitude, wavelength and period on a wave diagram
    • Calculate wave speed from frequency and wavelength
  3. S4.10.3 Waves on water
    • Measure the speed of ripples in a tray of water
    • Explain how water waves slow down and bend in shallow water
  4. S4.10.4 Sound and ultrasound
    • Measure the speed of sound using an echo from a wall
    • Explain how ultrasound is used to scan unborn babies and find sea depths
  5. S4.10.5 Reflection and refraction
    • Draw ray diagrams for reflection and refraction at a boundary
    • Explain total internal reflection and its use in optical fibres
  6. S4.10.6 Lenses
    • Draw ray diagrams for a converging lens
    • Explain how lenses correct short sight and long sight
  7. S4.10.7 The electromagnetic spectrum
    • List electromagnetic waves in order of wavelength and frequency
    • Give a use of each kind of electromagnetic wave
  8. S4.10.8 Waves in communication and health
    • Explain how radio, microwaves and light carry phone and internet signals
    • Explain why ultraviolet, X-rays and gamma rays can harm living cells

For parents and teachers

Level 4 fits learners who can already: follow a written argument. use letters for numbers. In many schools that is about 14 to 16, but start wherever the learner is.

Strand: Energy, light and sound. Written and drawn by attnom. Free to read, print and share.