SPB 10-1-2010
Achievement Scale
Content Area: Physical Science
Grade Level: 9
Unit: Waves
Learning Goals:
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I can describe waves as a transfer of energy.
I can classify wave types and identify their characteristics.
I can describe how waves interact with other waves and interfaces they encounter.
Score 4: Student demonstrates in-depth inferences and applications of the learning goal(s) and can reconstruct and apply
their knowledge from limited information:
The student:
 Can determine and explain all wave characteristics (period, , f, etc.) with limited information by using
calculations to determine unknown information (T = 1/f; f = 1/T; v = λf)
 Can graphically construct a waveform from limited information and label characteristics on the constructed graph
(period, , f, amplitude, etc.) by using calculations to determine unknown information (T = 1/f; f = 1/T; v = λf)
 Can order the EM spectrum (, f and energy) using the wave equation and the speed of light, c = λf.
 Can diagram how waves interact with boundaries (reflection, refraction, diffraction and absorption).
 Can diagram wave interference (destructive and constructive) at a given point for in phase and out of phase
waves.
 Can explain and apply the Doppler Effect based on understanding of wave properties and a moving source.
Score 3: Student demonstrates no major errors or omissions regarding the learning goal(s) that were explicitly taught:
The student:
 Can graphically construct a waveform from given information and label characteristics on the constructed graph
(period, , f, amplitude, etc.).
 Can calculate wave characteristics using the equations T = 1/f, f = 1/T, and v = λf in situations where only one
variable is missing.
 Can identify, from pictures, the different types of wave interactions (reflection, refraction, diffraction and
absorption) and state whether the angles of incidence and reflection/refraction are drawn correctly.
 Can define constructive and destructive interference and add their amplitudes.
 Can explain the Doppler Effect as a shift in frequency and wavelength of a wave that occurs due to a moving
source and state whether the observed frequency will be higher or lower for a given location.
Score 2: The student demonstrates no major errors or omissions regarding the simpler details and processes that support
the learning goal(s).
The student :
 Can define and identify wave characteristics (period, , f, etc.) from given information.
 Can identify and label wave characteristics on a graph that has been given (period, f, , amplitude, etc.).
 Can calculate the velocity of a wave using the equation v =  f, when given  (wavelength) and the frequency (f).
 Can identify components of the electromagnetic spectrum and order these components from low to hi frequency
and energy.
 Can identify, from pictures, the different types of wave interactions (reflection, refraction, diffraction and
absorption).
 Can identify, from pictures or a written scenario, the different types of interference (destructive and constructive).
 Can define the Doppler Effect as a shift in frequency and wavelength of a wave that occurs due to a moving
source.
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SPB 10-1-2010
Score 1: With help (being given word banks, manipulated equations, retakes), the student demonstrates a partial
understanding of the simpler details and processes that support the learning goal(s).
Score 0: Even with help, no success
Academic Vocabulary:
Score 4 Example Assessment Items:
A pendulum moves from the lowest part of its swing to the
highest part of its swing in 1 second. In addition, at the
lowest part of its swing its height is 0cm while at the
highest part of its swing its height is 10cm.
Waves:
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Construct a graph of this motion and label the following:
Frequency, period, Amplitude, Crest, Trough and Cycle.
Make sure you use good graphing protocol.
If the pendulum moved a total distance of 5cm in the 1
second part of its swing mentioned above, determine the
wavelength and speed of the pendulum.
Period
Frequency
Wavelength
Cycle
Amplitude
Crest
Trough
Wave types:
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Score 3 Example Assessment Items:
By plotting distance from equilibrium on the y-axis and
distance travelled on the x-axis, construct a graph of the
motion of a wave having a wavelength of 5cm and an
amplitude of 10cm.
Transverse
Longitudinal
Electromagnetic spectrum
Light
Sound
What would be the wave speed if the wave graphed above
has a frequency of 10Hz?
Wave Interactions:
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Score 2 Example Assessment Items
Below is a picture of a wave: What is the frequency,
period, and amplitude of this wave?
Order the electromagnetic spectrum from low energy to hi
energy.
Reflection
Refraction
Diffraction
Absorption
Interference:
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Constructive
Destructive.
Doppler Effect.
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Every student. Every day.
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A promise of learning, dignity, and respect for all.
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