Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Introduction to Waves

Go to Pearson's textbook login: 
https://www.pearsonsuccessnet.com/snpapp/login/login.jsp

Once you are logged in, go to the "Sound and Light" textbook.  We will be working with this text for the remainder of the semester, focusing on waves and sound.  Use Chapter 1 (Characteristics of Waves), Sections 1 and 2 to help you with the following task.  Be sure to use the videos, as well...they are really helpful.  You may work in a group of 2, no more:

Create a Keynote presentation, using Doodle Buddy to create pictures (all pictures used must be made by your group).  Include the following:

1.  Explain how waves transfer energy and what causes waves.  Include LABELED pictures with your description.

2. Describe transverse and longitudinal waves.  Include LABELED pictures with your descriptions using the slinky provided.

3. Describe amplitude, wavelength, and frequency in relation to transverse and longitudinal waves.  Include LABELED pictures with your descriptions.


4.  Project Piece
Some waves involve repeating patterns, or cycles. Any motion that repeats itself at regular intervals is called periodic motion. The hands moving on a clock, a child swinging on a swing, and a Ferris wheel going round and round are examples of periodic motion.

Your GoalTo find original examples of periodic motion and describe them
To complete this project you must
  • identify examples of periodic motion or events that have periodic characteristics
  • collect and organize data on the frequency and duration of each event
  • present your findings
Project Directions Plan It With your group, brainstorm examples of objects or events that go back and forth or alternate from high to low, dark to light, loud to quiet, or crowded to uncrowded. Select at least two objects or events to observe. Your observations can be from video found online or something around campus.  Record data such as how long it takes for the event to finish and start again or the highest and lowest point of the object’s motion. Finally, organize your findings to present in your Keynote.