Tuesday, March 07, 2006
Waves!
An Internet WebQuest on Light and Sound
Introduction
We are surrounded by waves. Some we are very aware of - waves on the surface of a lake, the wave that takes place in the stadium of an athletic event. Others we are less aware of, though often we notice their effects - sound and light waves for example.
The Quest
Select a type of wave, conduct research, and prepare a computer presentation.
The Process and Resources
In this WebQuest you will explore Web pages about wave characteristics, light and sound
Begin by getting some background.
Phase 1 - Background: Something for Everyone
Use the Internet information linked below to define and understand wave characteristics, light and sound. You may also use your physical science textbook, your library's catalog and/or magazine articles.
- Encyclopedia.Com, Powered by eLibrary - Search for general information on wave characteristics, light and sound.
Phase 2 - Instructions in depth
1. Research general information on wave characteristics, light and sound using the internet links provided.
2. Create a list of different types of waves.
3. Choose one of the waves generated by the list above. Once you have made your decision, notify Mr. Gibney.
4. Conduct more specific research on the wave you chose. Use the Internet links provided, magazines online, inter-library loan, the school library, etc.
Use the Internet information linked below to research and solve the problems:
General Information
- Acoustics : An Unofficial Introduction
- Characteristics of a Pressure Wave
- Characteristics of Light and Sound Waves
- Electromagnetic Waves
- Incredible Sound Wave
- Light and Optics
- Sound Site
Lessons
- How Do We Know Light Is a Wave?
- Light and Sound Unit
- The Nature of a Sound Wave
- Wave Characteristics
- Waves, Light and Sound Review
Experiments
Technical Information
Phase 3 - Researching, Creating and Cooperating
· Create your computer presentation using PowerPoint
Save the presentation in the appropriate Physics Folder
· Include graphics where appropriate.
· The first slide should include the title and your name.
· The last slide should be the bibliography (this includes where you found your graphics).
Phase 4 - Waves : Characteristics, Light and Sound Rubric
| | Awesome | Admirable | Acceptable | Unacceptable |
| Organization | -Well organized -Logical format -Transitions from idea to idea were excellent, enhancing the project | -Thoughtfully organized -Easy to follow most of the time -Transitions easy to follow, but at times ideas unclear | -Somewhat organized -Somewhat incoherent -Transitions not always smooth and at times distracted the audience | -Choppy and confusing -Difficult to follow -Transitions were abrupt and distracted audience |
| Cooperation | -Worked extremely well with others -Solicited, respected and complemented each other's ideas -Highly productive | -Worked very well with others -Worked to get everyone involved -Productive team | -Attempted to work well with others -At times "off task" and not everyone was actively involved | -Was dysfunctional -Did not respect each other's opinions -Argued often -Little or no teamwork |
| Project Contents | -Excellent job of research -Utilized information effectively | -Good job of research -Utilized information in an efficient manner | -Acceptable job of research -Limited information | -Unacceptable job of research -Little or no fact gathering |
| Project Presentations | -Original, unique approach -Engaging, provocative | -Clever, at times unique -Well done, interesting | -Few original touches -At times interesting | -Predictable, bland -Did not keep audience interested |
| Conceptual Understandings | -Demonstrates in-depth understanding of wave characteristics, light and sound | -Demonstrates understanding of wave characteristics, light and sound | -Demonstrates fairly complete understanding of wave characteristics, light and sound | -Demonstrates unclear understanding of wave characteristics, light and sound |
Conclusion
You have all done a lot of research on wave characteristics, light and sound. You know a lot! Nice work. You should be proud of yourselves! How can you use what you've learned in your everyday life? What real life applications do you see as a result of this activity? What other information about wave characteristics, light and sound could still be explored? Remember, learning--like waves--never stops working.
