K-6 Science for the Next Generation

Lesson Plans
Characteristics of Waves – Wavelength

Learning Objectives

  • Understand that wavelength is the distance between two similar points in a wave's repeating pattern.
  • Explain how wavelength affects the pitch of sound, with shorter wavelengths corresponding to higher pitches and longer wavelengths to lower pitches.
  • Identify how different wavelengths of light correspond to different colors, with shorter wavelengths producing violet and blue and longer wavelengths producing red and orange.

Introduction and Hook

Begin the lesson by introducing the concept of waves and their repeating patterns. Discuss how wavelength is the distance between two similar points in a wave's pattern.

Go to the Lesson

Use a visual aid to show two waves with different wavelengths, highlighting how the distance between similar points varies.

Direct Instruction

Explain how wavelength affects the pitch of sound. Use examples such as a xylophone, where shorter bars produce higher pitches and longer bars produce lower pitches.

Discuss how different wavelengths of light correspond to different colors, with shorter wavelengths producing violet and blue, and longer wavelengths producing red and orange.

Guided Exploration

Watch the video 'Transverse and Longitudinal Waves' to understand how different types of waves transfer energy. This video uses practical demonstrations to enhance understanding.

Video thumbnail

Hands-On Activity

Engage students in a hands-on activity by having them create waves using a rope or slinky. This will help them visualize the concept of wavelength and wave patterns.

Use the 'Creating and Observing Waves' assessment to further explore wave creation and observation. This activity involves creating waves in a tub of water and recording observations.

Assessment thumbnail

Independent Practice

Assign students to draw waves with different wavelengths and label the parts. This activity reinforces their understanding of wave characteristics.

Check for Understanding

Use the 'Characteristics of Waves' assessment to evaluate students' understanding of wave properties. This assessment involves matching wave patterns to sounds and drawing different wave amplitudes.

Assessment thumbnail

Review and Reflection

Conduct a class discussion to review the key concepts of wavelength and its effects on sound and light. Encourage students to share their insights and reflections.

Assessment and Extension

Test students' comprehension with the unit quiz at the end of the lesson.

Try the Quiz

For a comprehensive review, use the 'Review – Waves and Information' assessment. This activity includes tasks like comparing sound waves and explaining color perception.

Assessment thumbnail

Custom Subscription Plan

Please reach out to your dedicated support agent to make changes to your custom subscription plan.

Free Usage Limit Reached!

You have reached the usage limit under a free subscription. 
This will reset in 1 hour. 
Please try again later, or consider upgrading your account. Thanks!

Password Reset Successfully!

You are now signed in to NGScience. Enjoy!

Reset Password

Enter the email address associated with your account.

Subscription Update Error

There was an error updating the subscription.

Subscription Updated

Your subscription was successfully updated. Enjoy!

Insufficient Privelages

You are not authorized to make changes to the subscription plan of this account. 
Please contact the appropriate administrator.

Manage Subscription

Prices are in US Dollars.

Free

  • Limited daily access
  • 10% off all eBook purchases

Home

  • Unlimited and unrestricted access
  • Printable assessments with answer keys
  • 20% off all eBook purchases
  • Email support

Classroom

  • Unlimited and unrestricted access
  • Printable assessments with answer keys
  • 30% off all eBook purchases
  • Email support

School

  • Unlimited and unrestricted access
  • Printable assessments with answer keys
  • 40% off all eBook purchases
  • Dedicated support agent

Sign In

Account Limit Reached!

Your account does not have any available slots remaining to add a new user.

You can:
• remove and existing user to free up a slot.
• upgrade your plan or contact us.

Remove User

You are about to remove the following users accounts:

THIS CANNOT BE UNDONE

Registration Complete!

You are now signed in to NGScience. Enjoy!

Create an Account

Enter your email to create a free account with NG Science.

or

Activity Complete

Try again for a perfect score