Surf's Up!
Students take a closer look at wavesCopyright Olympic Coast, National Marine Sanctuary, http://olympiccoast.nos.noaa.gov/living/ocean_processes/ waves_currents/welcome.html
This lesson introduces the concepts of longitudinal and transverse waves. Students see several demonstrations of waves and characterize them by transverse and longitudinal behavior. This lesson also introduces the Sunken Treasure theme of the Sound and Light unit — a continuous story line throughout the lessons.
Engineers use sound and light waves for many reasons in our society. Sonar, reading glasses, light bulbs, stereo equipment, and lasers all rely on either sound and/or light waves. Engineers must have an excellent understanding of how sound and light waves work in order to apply them to new technology. Naval engineers design ships to travel on ocean waves.
After this lesson, students should be able to:
- Define what a wave is and give examples of waves.
- Explain the difference between longitudinal and transverse waves.
- Describe an ocean wave as having characteristics of both longitudinal and transverse waves.