Activity 1: Comprehensive Wave Properties Investigation
Measure and calculate wave properties while investigating wave behavior and mathematical relationships
90 minutes (single extended or two 45-minute sessions) Wave measurement & mathematical analysis
Learning Objectives
- • Measure and calculate wave properties (wavelength, frequency, amplitude)
- • Demonstrate relationship between wave energy and amplitude
- • Investigate wave behavior (reflection, refraction, interference)
- • Apply mathematical relationships to wave phenomena
- • Connect wave concepts to real-world technologies
Wave Demonstration Equipment
- • Large slinky (metal coil spring)
- • Rope or thick string (3 meters)
- • Water wave tank (60cm x 40cm x 10cm)
- • Function generator and speaker
- • Stopwatches and measuring tools
- • Digital cameras for video recording
Investigation Phases
1
Transverse Wave Investigation (30 minutes)
Rope waves: wavelength, amplitude, frequency relationships
2
Longitudinal Wave Study (25 minutes)
Slinky compression waves: speed calculations, energy transfer
3
Water Wave Investigation (35 minutes)
Reflection, refraction, interference, diffraction patterns
Mathematical Analysis
- • Wave equation applications: v = fλ
- • Energy relationship calculations: E ∝ A²
- • Graphical analysis of wave properties
- • Statistical analysis of measurements
Wave Behavior Studies
Reflection and Refraction
- • Place barriers at different angles
- • Measure incident and reflected wave angles
- • Change water depth for refraction studies
- • Observe wave bending patterns
Interference and Diffraction
- • Create waves from two sources
- • Observe constructive/destructive interference
- • Pass waves through narrow openings
- • Document spreading patterns
Assessment Components (100 points total)
Laboratory Data Portfolio (40 pts)
- • Measurement accuracy (15 pts)
- • Data analysis (15 pts)
- • Wave behavior documentation (10 pts)
Mathematical Problem Solving (30 pts)
- • Wave equation applications (15 pts)
- • Energy relationship calculations (10 pts)
- • Graphical analysis (5 pts)
Scientific Communication (20 pts)
- • Technical report (10 pts)
- • Wave demonstration (10 pts)
Activity 2: Sound Wave Transmission and Properties Investigation
Investigate sound transmission through different materials and design communication systems
Sound transmission & engineering design
Learning Objectives
- • Investigate sound transmission through different materials
- • Measure sound intensity and frequency changes
- • Demonstrate wave reflection, absorption, and transmission
- • Connect sound properties to hearing and communication
- • Analyze factors affecting sound quality and transmission
Sound Generation Equipment
- • Tuning forks (256 Hz, 512 Hz, 1024 Hz)
- • Small speakers with frequency generator app
- • Musical instruments (bells, chimes)
- • Sound meter app or decibel meter
- • String telephone materials
- • Various transmission materials
Investigation Phases
1
Sound Transmission Through Media (25 minutes)
Test solid, liquid, and gas transmission properties
2
String Telephone Engineering (30 minutes)
Design and test communication systems with variable optimization
3
Sound Barrier Investigation (20 minutes)
Study reflection, absorption, and sound focusing effects
Safety Considerations
- • Ear protection during loud sound generation
- • Volume limits to prevent hearing damage
- • Careful handling of glass and sharp materials
- • Proper use of tuning forks
String Telephone Engineering Challenge
Variable Testing
- • String material comparison (cotton, nylon, wire)
- • String tension investigation
- • Cup material analysis (paper, plastic, metal)
- • Frequency response testing
Performance Optimization
- • Maximum effective communication distance
- • Transmission quality measurement
- • Optimal tension for best transmission
- • Obstacle interference effects
Quantitative Analysis
Sound Speed Calculations
- • Use echo timing to calculate sound speed
- • Compare with theoretical value (343 m/s at 20°C)
- • Account for temperature effects
- • Calculate percentage error
Transmission Efficiency
- • Calculate transmission coefficients
- • Graph material density vs. transmission
- • Analyze optimal materials for applications
- • Connect to architectural acoustics
Assessment Components (100 points total)
Laboratory Report (45 pts)
- • Experimental design (10 pts)
- • Data collection and analysis (20 pts)
- • Scientific conclusions (10 pts)
- • Real-world applications (5 pts)
Engineering Design (25 pts)
- • String telephone optimization (15 pts)
- • Performance testing (10 pts)
Communication & Applications (30 pts)
- • Technical presentation (10 pts)
- • Peer teaching (10 pts)
- • Problem-solving scenarios (10 pts)
Real-World Applications
Technology Applications
Stethoscope design, noise-canceling headphones, architectural acoustics, sonar systems
Environmental Connections
Noise pollution control, wildlife communication, marine animal navigation, Caribbean steel drum acoustics
