Waves

Here we introduce the concept of waves through the examples of water, sound and light. We explore amplitude and wavelength with our bodies and consider what that means for water, sound and light. Using movement, we demonstrate how longditudinal and transverse waves travel. 

In the light lesson, we experience the colors within visible light with our bodies and introduce the concepts of reflection and absorption. We consider that the interactsions between light, matter and our eyes determine what we see and explore this through example of bees, snakes, snails, and chameleons.

In the sound lesson, we build a movement orchestra to show how amplitude and wavelength relate to volume and pitch. Using the examples of flies and bats, we imagine a new planet and design our own alien senses.

These lessons were designed for Boulder Valley School District's 4th grade curriculum Unit 3 (Energy and Waves) Segment 2 (Waves and Light).

Presentations: 

• Introduction (English) 
• Introduction (Spanish) 
• Light (English) 
• Light (Spanish) 
• Sound (English) 
• Sound (Spanish) 

Activity guides: 

• Amplitude 
• Color dance 
• Reflection/absorption 
• Sound orchestra 

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